Also getting prized passes to victory lane were Todd Reusser in the 270 Micros, Vivian Jones in the Barris Trucking Modified Lites, and Joe Campbell in the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks.

Spithaler, who has returned to the local racing scene for the 2019 season, said "it feels amazing; it's been two years since we've been in victory lane; there's been a lot of awesome times. We traveled all over the place with the All Stars, and came back to Western PA."He ran hard throughout the race, not knowing how close his pursuer, Jack Sodeman, Jr., was."I got through traffic better than he did." When he got to some open track, Spithaler continued to pour it on. "If you say we had a big lead," as his voice trailed off. Then, he exclaimed, "we need 410s here next year!" The crowd roared in approval.

Using the format made successful in the Central Pennsylvania Sprint Speedweek, Spithaler was joined by the other two heat race winners, Gary Kriess and Sye Lynch, and the three fastest qualifiers, Dan Kuriger, Jack Sodeman, Jr., and Michael Bauer, for the blind draw that would set the first three rows for the thirty lap feature. Kriess was the lucky one, getting the pole, but Spithaler was his running mate. Sodeman and Bauer were next, followed by Kuriger and Lynch. Other quick cars lined up behind them, that being Carl Bowser, Andrew Palker, Brandon Matus, and Jordan Ryan.

Kriess got the early lead, with Spithaler, Sodeman, Bauer, Kuriger, and Lynch in tow. They ran in that order through lap five, when the leaders started to encounter the slower traffic. Spithaler snagged the lead on lap seven, and Kriess began to fade from the lead group. That moved Sodeman up a notch, but Spithaler had several lapped cars separating himself from the second place car.

A caution on lap twelve for Leyton Wagner and Arnie Kent realigned the field and put Sodeman on Spithaler's rear nerf bar for the restart. Once again, Spithaler took the lead and Sodeman was giving chase. Bauer, Lynch, and Kuriger had worked their way past Kriess, and they were wresting for the third spot. Lynch got control of that by lap fifteen. Kuriger slipped by Bauer, and Bowser was now in the picture, too.

Palker brought out the final caution, on lap seventeen. That bunched the field back up again, and gave Bowser the opportunity to take over fifth. He did so on lap nineteen.

Over the final ten laps, the battle was on for positions in the top ten. Andy Priest picked up several positions, as did Russ Sansosti, and Jimmy Morris. Cody Bova was on the charge, too, coming up from his nineteenth starting spot after capturing the B Main. While Bova obviously recovered from his hard crash during time trials, he did not reach the top ten by the time the checkers flew.

Spithaler got the $4,000 win, followed by Sodeman, and Lynch. Kuriger and Bowser were next. Priest had the sixth spot. Jordan, Sansosti, Morris, and Joe McEwen rounded out the top ten.

Thirty Sprints signed in for the only winged 410 race of the season at Michaels Mercer Raceway. Remember that there will be another winged sprint special, this time for the Patriot (360) Sprint Tour, coming on August 10, 2019.

Rebounding from some misfortunes the night before, Todd Reusser charged from fourth to the front on the opening lap of the 270 Micro feature. Jeff Haefke raced in second, followed by C.J. Davis, Lonnie McConahy, and Wes Libert. Eight laps into the fray, Libert came to a stop for the first of two cautions.

Soon after the restart, Brian Borawiec moved into second, a position that he would hold until the finish. Haefke continued in third until the final lap when he pulled into the pits unexpectedly.

Following Reusser and Borawiec across the finish line were McConahy, Noah Wirginis, Dustin Young, Ivan Johnson, and Paul Young. Then came Haefke based on laps completed. Garth Focher and Luke Hails were ninth and tenth.

Libert and Reusser topped the qualification heats. There was no B Main necessary fo the seventeen cars on hand.

In the Barris Trucking Modified Lite feature, Cole Petrelle took the lead when the green flag waved. He was followed closely by the Jones family. Vivian was the first to give chase, by Rod took up the cause on lap six. The third member, Roman, remained in the top five through lap six.

On lap six, Jeff Davis passed both Petrelle and Vivian Jones to take the lead. Rod Jones was shuffled back a few positions, as Dusty Frantz, Jordan Simmons, and Tyler Purnell entered the picture.

Davis' bid for victory ended on lap eleven when he spun while leading. That put Vivian Jones on the point for the restart. Meanwhile, her father worked his way into second.

The final several laps were ragged, and the race was called to curfew as the drivers were having troubles stringing laps together without incidents.

Vivian Jones was declared the winner, with Rod in second. Simmons was third, Frantz fourth, and Roman Jones in fifth. Positions six throughten went to Purnell, Jacob Isenhart, Charlie Biskup, Eric Marsh, and Mark Biskup.

The trio of heats were won by Vivian Jones, Shane Webb (form last on the grid), and Rod Jones. There was no B Main for the twenty-one machines.

The Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks brought twenty-six cars to the party. Tim Callahan and Joe Campbell fought for the lead throughout the twelve lap nightcap. Callahan led until the final lap, when he went low to block Campbell's inside move. Campbell switched to the high line, though, and went on to victory.

Mike Porterfield raced his way up to third. Joe Romanko and Phil King fought hard for the fourth position. Sixth went to Johnny Bruce, Sr., followed by Tyler Fulton, Dewayne Redinger, Joe DeWoody, and Ed Haylett.

Preliminaries belonged to Romanko, Bill Fuchs, and Porterfield. There was no B Main.

The Big Block Modifieds will be back to Michaels Mercer Raceway after nearly a month off. The Diehl Ram racers will take on the stars of the BRP Modified Tour in a July 20 race that will pay a top prize of $3,000. This will be the Michaels Memorial Show sponsored by Erme's Inc. Also returning to the card will be the Turn 4 Toilets Fastrak Limited Modifieds. The Racesaver 305 Sprints will be on the card as well, along with Mod Lites, Mini Stocks, and Vintage Cars. There will be an autograph session, allowing the fans to meet and greet the heroes, both old and new. The race will carry a rain date of July 27. If the rain date is not used, a regular Fast Five program will be held in its place.

(Mercer, PA May 11, 2019): Rex King, Jr. powered by his father on a lap fourteen restart to capture his second Diehl Ram Big Block Modified feature at Michaels Mercer Raceway. The King name has been familiar to fans of the speedway, dating back to the highly successful coupes owned by his grandfather, Russ, and driven to many victories by the likes of Vic George. He left little doubt that he is looking forward to carrying the family tradition forward for another generation to enjoy, proclaiming an intent to campaign for the points championship.

King Jr. was awestruck by the success that he's had at the track in the brief time since the Big Block Modifieds became the headline attraction at the speedway. The win was the second in as many outings since the track returned to the Michaels family. "You know, growing up, I was a little kid down here in turn four, we had a van parked down there and I'd watch Tommy Kristyak, and John Brayner, Bob Dorman, my dad, all of the guys that were the big players around here."

Joining King Jr. in victory lane was Steve Slater for the first time in the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals Fastrack Limited Modifieds. Rob Felix also captured his first triumph in the Hards Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Block Racesaver 305 Sprint Cars. In the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks, Zack Frantz topped a thirty-six car field that was vying for a $500 payday. Alan Knepper won the nightcap for the Barris Trucking Modified Lites.

Lonnie Riggs and Tommy Glenn led the Diehl Ram Big Block Modified feature to the initial green flag. Kyle Fink, Brad Rapp were in row two, and the father and son duo of Rex King Sr. and Jr. were in row three. Will Thomas and Chris Rudolph were in the fourth row, and Jimmy Holden and Kevin Hoffman in row five.

Riggs blasted out to an early lead, with Glenn, Fink, and Rapp in tow. Fink moved into the second position on lap two, bringing Rapp along into third. Meanwhile, the pair of Kings were moving forward as well. Jr. took over third on lap three, but his father moved him back a notch just one circuit later. By the seventh round, King Sr. was second, and soon thereafter Fink and King Jr. were battling for third.

King Sr. tried both inside and outside moves to overtake Riggs during the next several laps. Finally, he got a nose under Riggs as the veterans raced into turn one. King Sr. hugged the guardrail and came off turn two with the lead. As he was doing so, King Jr. seized control of the third spot. Fink continued in fourth, but Thomas cracked the top five and he too was looking to advance.

King Sr. still was in the lead as the race neared the halfway mark. He had a two second advantage when Rich Whitney brought out a brief yellow. That gave Riggs another shot at the leader. But as happens at Mercer Raceway so often, the third place driver, King Jr., made a powerful move into second when the race resumed. Before the racers could settle into a routine again, Steve Barr and Shawn Fleeger tangled on the front stretch bringing out the red. Barr's machine sustained major damage, but neither driver was injured.

The ensuing restart had a pair of Kings on the front row. Sr. took the inside line again, but his son got a good restart. They entered turn one side by side, and King Jr. rode the cushion through the first two corners. He came off turn two with the lead that he would not surrender. Thomas also had success when the green light came on again. He moved past Riggs for third. Hoffman also showed some power, as he picked up a couple of positions.

As the laps clicked off. King Jr. and Sr. began to pull away from Thomas. Riggs continued in fourth, and now Hoffman entered the top five. However, in the final laps, Hoffman's mount began to slow, and he turned off the track in turn four just after the leader took the white flag.

At the finish it was King Jr. by 1.833 seconds over his father. Thomas was another two seconds in arears. Riggs crossed in fourth, followed by Rapp. J.R. McGinley came ahead to sixth. Dave Murdick, Rick Regalski, Bob Warren, and Tommy Marshall, III completed the top ten.

Heat wins were scored by Holden, Thomas, and King, Jr. There was no B Main for the 24 cars that signed in.

In the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals Fastrack Limited Modifieds, Steve Slater and Shayne Izzo had the first row, followed by Erik Martin, Michael Kristyak, Chad Gumpp, and Jim Brice. Izzo broke into the lead followed by Slater, Martin, Dave Murdick, and Kristyak. While Izzo was on cruise control, Slater and his teammate, Murdick, was in a three-car battle for the second position. Meanwhile, Kristyak and Brian Sadler jousted for fifth.

Izzo continued to lead through the only stoppage of the race, on lap 16 for a shunt involving Todd Gabriel and Brian Schaffer. Soon after the race resumed, Slater dipped to the inside entering turn one, and he emerged with the lead. Izzo ran second for a little while longer, but when he began to fade, Martin took over that position. Jerry Schaffer brought his new machine into third with just a few laps remaining in the contest.

At the checkers, it was Slater, followed by Martin and Schaffer. Murdick and Izzo rounded out the top five. Kristyak, Brice, Jason Huffnagle, Gumpp, and Sadler completed the top ten.

Slater was appreciative for the opportunity to race under the Fastrak banner. "I love this place and that it's back open again, and I'll be here all year running." Slater explained that providing a second venue for the GM 602 Crate engined cars gives more racers a chance to compete and be successful.

Preliminaries went to Izzo and Slater. There was no B Main for the sixteen cars on hand.

Rob Felix went wire to wire in the Hards Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Lock Racesaver 305 Sprint Cars. "This feels really good, I've been trying to win here for probably about six or seven year and never got one, so it's good to get one tonight." Felix went on to explain that he was lucky that the checkered flag came when it did. "Actually, we broke on the last lap, so I guess if you're going to break on any, that's the one to break on."

Felix started on the pole and jumped out ahead of his dancing partner, Dylan Proctor. Greg Dobrosky settled into thirs, ahead of Jacob Gomola, Kyle Colwell, and Will Fleming. Dobrosky spun from contention on the second lap, though.

Felix led the rest of the way without interruption. Proctor surrendered the second spot to Gomola on lap seven before fading. Gomola rode home in second, followed by Colwell, Fleming, and Josh Spicer. Dobrosky recovered for sixth. Vinny Doughtery was seventh, followed by Steve Cousins, Chase Metheny, and Randy Stirling.

Dobosky and Felix topped their respective qualifiers. There was no B Main for the thirteen-car field.

Carl Ealy and Steve Longwell, Sr. paced the 24 starters in the feature for the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. Joe Campbell, Mike Kelley, Bucky Buchanan, and Karlee Longwell followed them at the start. Ealy led the early gooing before giving way to Todd Hanlon. Hanlon relinquished the top spot when he was penalized for a rules infraction and that gave the point to Campbell. Frantz assumed command with two to go.

Frantz led Longwell Sr. to the checkers. Kelley, Emily Stoyer, and Phil King made up the rest of the top five. Johnny Bruce, David Coffin, Ealy, Karlee Longwell, and Justin Bailey were the next five finishers.

Four heat races and a B Main narrowed the starting field. The wins went to Jim Buchanan, Campbell, Bill Fuchs, and Pete Blaczak. Mike Porterfield topped the B Main.

Logan Lewis and Rod Jones brought the Barris Trucking Modified Lites to the post. Mark Marcucci, Sr., Shane Webb, Matt Ward, and Dusty Frantz were in the rows that followed. Rod Jones took the initial lead, followed by Lewis, Webb, Marcucci, and Ward. Alan Knepper quickly worked his way to the front from the ninth starting spot. He was third on lap three, second on lap five, and in the lead on lap ten.

Knepper led Webb to the finish line, Ward, who hails from West Virginia, was in third. Jeff Davis was fourth, and Jacob Eakin fifth. Vivian Jones was next, followed by Dusty Frantz, Ed Mudrick, Eric Marsh, and Ayden Cipriano.

Heat wins went to Knepper, Vivian Jones, and Webb. The B Main belonged to Jordan Simmons.

Michaels Mercer Raceway will be back in action next week with another Fast Five program. Also on the card will be fireworks. It will be armed forces night, so all active military will be admitted for free with proper identification. Coming up on Memorial Day weekend, there will be no racing on the oval, but there will be a huge truck and tractor pulling event staged by the Northwest PA Pullers Association and Power Pull Productions.

​Michaels Mercer Raceway Ready to Try Grand Opening Again this Saturday, May 11

(Mercer, PA May 8, 2019): Will the third time be the charm? After two postponements due to wet grounds and and rain, respectively, Edward Michaels hopes that he will be able to complete the Grand Opening at Michaels Mercer Raceway this Saturday, May 11. Racing action for the Fast Five will begin at 7 p.m.

"We have had tremendous support from the racers so far," Michaels explained. "Now, we just need some cooperation with the weather man."

Rex King, Jr. wants to regain the momentum in his first race run under the sponsorship of Diehl Ram, of Grove City. A few weeks back, he won the Chiller Thriller for the Big Block Modifieds for the third time in his career. That was the only program completed at the speedway in 2019.

Jimmy Holden chased King Jr. in the final stages of that contest after inheriting the second spot from Rex King, Sr., who suffered a flat rear tire. Lonny Riggs, another 358 Modified stand-out, will be on hand, along with several other pilots familiar to Mercer fans. J.R. McGinley, Kyle Fink, Kevin Hoffman, Garrett Krummert, Richard Whitney, and Kevin Green have all made the transition to the Big Blocks. Other former winners like Jeremiah Shingledecker and Dave Murdick will challenge for the top honors.

Krummert will be doing double duty again, as he will also race his Fastrack Limited Modified. Steve Slater, Jerry and Will Shaffer, and Jessica Kriegisch will also be in action with rest of the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals crew.

Jacob Gomola will lead the Racesaver 305 Sprint Cars to the post. He claimed the first win under the twin banners of Hards Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Block. Greg Dobrosky may have something to say about that, though. Those racers, and others, will provide the winged Sprint fans something to cheer about.

It will be hard to keep up with the Joneses in the Barris Trucking Modified Lites. There will be three of them in the field, led by first-time winner Vivian Jones. Her brother Roman and her father Rod would like to hold a family reunion in Victory Lane. Nearly two dozen other racers will be looking to spoil that party.

Can Todd Hanlon repeat in the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks? Tim Callahan was nipping on his heels when he goat a flat during the Chiller Thriller. Those veteran racers will be competing with twenty-odd other hungry drivers for the biggest slice of the pie.

The pit gates will open at 4 p.m. for the racers and the front gates will open at 5 p.m. for the spectators. Practice sessions will start at 6:30 and the first heat race will hit the track at 7 p.m.

Regular event ticket pricing will apply. Adult admission to the stands will be just $12, and seniors (60+) will be admitted for $10. Children and youths (ages 13 and under) will be free if they are accompanied by a paying guest. Pit passes will be $30. However, reduced price Pit Passes will be available for seniors (60+) and children (ages ten and under). They will be admitted to the pits for $25.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.About Michaels Mercer Raceway: Michaels Mercer Raceway is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstates 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through early October. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com.

Rain Halted Racing Action at Michaels Mercer Raceway

(Mercer, PA May 4, 2019): Mother Nature claimed the victory at Michaels Mercer Raceway on Saturday, May 4. With full fields in all divisions except the Junior Sprints, track owner Edward Michaels was disappointed. "We tried awfully hard to get the Grand Opening in the books, but the track took too much rain," he said. "A shower set in around five and it just would not let up." Michaels and his dedicated staff will be ready to try again next Saturday, May 11 with a Fast Five program.

Rain checks and wrist bands from May 4 will be honored for the next two race dates. Or, fans and participants can use their rain checks during the Barris Trucking Summer Nationals Sprint Show coming up on July 12 and 13.

The May 11 Fast Five program on May 11 will feature the Diehl Ram Big Block Modifieds, Turn 4 Toilet Rentals Fastrak Limitted Modifieds, Hards Welding and Fabrication/River Valley Butcher Block Racesaver 305 Sprints, Barris Trucking Modified Lites, and Ray's Racing Collectibles/Eperthener Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. This program will serve as the Grand Opening and will kick off the chase for the points championships in all classes.

May 18 will be another Fast Five program and it will also be Armed Forces Night. All active military with identification will be admitted for free.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.About Michaels Mercer Raceway: Michaels Mercer Raceway is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstates 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through early October. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com.

Michaels Mercer Raceway to Try Again Saturday with Grand Opening;Penn-Ohio Pro Stock Series Making First Appearance, Along with Junior Sprints

(Mercer, PA May 4, 2019): Michaels Mercer Raceway will try again to present its grand opening this Saturday, May 4. Racing action for six divisions will begin at 7 p.m. The Homak Penn-Ohio Pro Stock Championship Series and the Junior Sprints will join the fun! Four of the track's regular classes will be in action, earning their first championship points of the season. Missing from the line-up will be the Racesaver 305 Sprint Cars. They will return on May 11.

"We will be ready for some exciting competition," said the new owner Edward Michaels. "We were looking forward to racing last weekend, but wet grounds would have made things unsafe for our racers and fans," he added.

Rex King, Jr., will be looking for his second win of the year in the Diehl Ram Big Block Modifieds. It seems like ages ago, King Jr. won the Chiller Thriller, a special event pitting the BRP Modified Tour against the track regulars. Now he will have the chance to add his name to the regular season win list at Mercer for the first time.

But King Jr. will have plenty of challengers, including his father, the Bristolville Bandit. Rex King, Sr. was second and closing in on his son when a flat tire sent him to the pits for a replacement. While King was able to make the repair and resume the race, he was unable to crack the top five. His misfortune allowed Jimmy Holden to chase King Jr. home. In prior years, Holden dominated the racing in the 358 Modified class. Lonny Riggs, another 358 Modified stand-out, will be ready to challenge, along with racers like Kyle Fink, Garrett Krummert, J.R. McGinley, Jeremiah Shingledecker, and Dave Murdick, to name just a few.

Krummert, who hails from New Castle, will be doing double duty again, as he will also race his Fastrack Limited Modified. Krummert took the first event held for this division, which is presented by Turn 4 Toilet Rentals. Steve Slater, Will Shaffer, and Jessica Kriegisch will also be in action.

While Jessica will be looking for her first victory at Mercer, she will not be the first female racer to put her name in the record books. That distinction goes to teenager Vivian Jones, of West Middlesex, who copped the Modified Lite feature. The Modified Lites race under the Barris Trucking banner.

Traditional Mercer backers Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking will hail the Mini Stocks into the ring. Todd Hanlon scored his first of the season in the Chiller Thriller, but nearly two dozen other racers will contend for the win.

The Homak Penn-Ohio Pro Stock Championship Series brings together the region's best Stock Car racers to compete for extra purse money and bragging rights. "Mercer has had some of the best Stock Car racing over the years, and we are proud to have the Penn-Ohio Series open their season with us," Michaels said. Former Series champions Chris Schneider and Bobby Whitling are expected, along with Rusty Moore, who was a dominant force when the Stock Cars appeared weekly at the tricky oval.

The Junior Sprints will allow youngsters to experience the thrill of competition. The class was formed several season ago and several drivers have already advanced to other classes. So, who will be the fresh, young faces at Michaels Mercer Raceway this season? Come out to cheer them on!

The pit gates will open at 4 p.m. for the racers and the front gates will open at 5 p.m. for the spectators. Practice sessions will start at 6:30 and the first heat race will hit the track at 7 p.m.

Regular event ticket pricing will prevail. Adult admission to the stands will be just $12, and seniors (60+) will be admitted for $10. Children and youths (ages 13 and under) will be free as long as they are accompanied by a paying guest. Pit passes will be $30. However, a new feature for 2019 will be reduced Pit Pass prices for seniors (60+) and children (ages ten and under). They will be admitted to the pits for $25.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.About Michaels Mercer Raceway: Michaels Mercer Raceway is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstates 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through early October. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com.

Rex King Jr. is Top Mod Tour Man at Michaels Mercer Raceway; Krummert, Gomola, V. Jones, and Hanlon also Score

(Mercer, PA April 13, 2019): Rex King, Jr. continued his family's dominance of BRP Modified Tour events held at Michaels Mercer Raceway. Amazingly, the racers from Bristolville, OH have won eleven of the twenty-eight contests held at the track. "Cooter," as he is affectionately known, now accounts for four of those triumphs, three of them coming in the annual Chiller Thriller. While this one was run in mild weather, it still paid a cool two grand.

Patriarch Rex King, Sr. was closing in for what could have been his seventh Mod Tour victory at Mercer, but a flat tire late in the race ended the generational conflict. "He was making me nervous when I saw him on the scoreboard, when he got up to second," the winner said. "I thought that we were going thirty laps and then when they said 'nine to go,' I said, 'oh, boy, here we go.'"

While King Jr. did not have to fight off his father for the win, he did have to survive a one-lap shootout with Jimmy Holden to get the win. Holden noted, "when we went out there I knew that I had a decent car, but I didn't think we had a winner, you know." He added, "I just thought that I'd play it slow, keep it safe, keep all four tires on it, and it turned out way better for us than I thought it would."

Both drivers announced that they were looking forward to racing their Big Blocks at the track weekly. "I have to give a big 'thank you' to Edward Michaels for getting this place back open," King Jr. commented. "You know, this is a really cool deal, and it looks like the people like it by how many people are here tonight," he added to a thunderous response.

Joining King Jr. in celebration this night were Garrett Krummert in the Fastrack Limited Modifieds presented by Turn Four Toilet Rentals, Jacob Gomola in the 305 Sprints offered by Hards Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Block, and Todd Hanlon in the Mini Stocks racing under the twin banners of Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking. Vivian Jones also earned her first ever career win in the Barris Trucking Modified Lites.

King Jr. wasted no time scooting out to the lead from his pole position in the thirty-five lapper that was hosted by Diehl Ram. Lonny Riggs, a track favorite, followed closely from his second starting spot. Jim Rasey, Richard Whitney, Brad Rapp, and Jimmy Holden battled for positions in the top five. Meanwhile, King Sr. began his march toward the front from eleventh on the grid.

King Sr. cracked the top five six laps into the contest, but he was still a ways back from his son, was holding Riggs at bay. Rasey and Rapp were in a tussle for the third position at the time. A caution for Whitney on lap six allowed King Sr. to join the lead group for the restart.

King Sr. gained one position on each of the next two laps. Will Thomas also joined the fun.

With King Jr. still out front, the battle was on between Riggs and King Sr. for the second position. King Sr. finally wrestled the runnerup spot away from Riggs on lap 12. He then set his sights on the blue 165 that was out front.Through the middle stage of the event, the Kings led Riggs, Rapp, Thomas, Jeremiah Shingledecker, Dave Murdick, Holden, Kevin Hoffman, and Garret Krummert.

A rash of yellow fever mixed things up within the top ten as the racers began the stretch run. There were no major calamities, but the race was halted briefly so that Dave Murdick could be checked out medically following his shunt in turn two. The last shuffle of positions happened on lap 28, when Riggs and Thomas tangled and King Sr. suffered his flat tire.

Those events moved Holden up to second behind King Jr., Krummert to third, Rick Regalski to fourth, and Kyle Fink to fifth. With a new shoe on his trusty mount, King Sr. lined up at the back of the field and he picked his way through in the field in the final laps.

Although there was a one-lap dash at the end, there were no changes in the top five. Kevin Hoffman and Chris Haines diced for sixth. King could Sr. reached eighth in the final tally.

The remaining finishers, all a lap in arrears, were Shawn Fleeger, John Venuto, Max Smoker, and Shawn Kozar.

The three heats for the Big Block Modifieds went to Riggs, Shingledecker, and King Sr. There was no B Main, as track owner Ed Michaels decided to allow all 28 cars to start the feature.

Jessica Kriegisch and Brandon Ritchey led the field to the start of the first Turn 4 Toilet Rentals Fastrack Limited Modified feature held at the speedway. Jordan Ehrenberg and Jason Hufnagle were in row two, with Garrett Krummert and Jacob Wolfe in row three. Kriegisch jumped out front, followed by Ritchey, Ehrenberg, and Krummert. Krummert made a powerful move on lap our to take the lead, which he would hold for the rest of the twenty lapper. Ritchey continued in second through lap 14. However, Kole Holden came on in the final five or six laps to take that spot away.

At the finish, It was Krummert, over Holden, Ritchey, Ehrenberg, and Blaze Myers. Erik Martin, Brian Schaffer, Josh Deems, Don Blaney, and Brian Sadler completed the top ten.

The trio of heats belonged to Krummert, Schaffer, and Martin. There was no B Main for the 22 cars on hand.

In the Hards Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Block 305 Sprints, Greg Dobrosky led the first twelve laps before surrendering the lead to the third place starter, Jacob Gomola for the final three rounds. Tyler Denochick, who started on the front row, ran along in third through the first nine laps. Soon thereafter, he pulled into the infield at turn four and jumped from his car, which had caught fire. Despite some scary moments, Denochick was unhurt. Vincent Dougherty came on for third. Fourth went to Robert Garvey, Jr. and fifth to Rob Felix. Josh Spices, Andy Cavanaugh, Randy Sterling, Chase Metheney, and Steve Cousins completed the top ten.

Gomola and Cousins topped their respective heats. There was no B Main for the eleven cars that signed in.

Teenager Vivian Jones charged form fourth to second on the opening lap of the Barris Trucking Modified Lite feature. She grabbed the lead on lap three and held off challenges from Shane Webb, Rod Jones (her father), Cole Petrelle, and Webb again over the course of the remaining twelve laps. Ayden Cipriano came from sixteenth to third, followed by Dusty Frantz, and Anthony Gillespie. Roman Jones, Ted Williams, Jacob Eakin, Jacob Isenhart, and Tyler Purnell rounded out the top ten.

There were three preliminaries for the 22 cars. Wins belonged to Petrelle, Rod Jones, and Williams. There was no B Main.

Todd Hanlon raced to victory in the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. Pete Blazczak took advantage of a late race restart to grab the second position. The late arriving 69er was third. David Coffin was fourth, and Di McRae was fifth. Positions six through ten went to Tom Unrue, Mike Kelly, Summer Pitts, Cameron Hutchens, and Karlee Longwell.

The heat victories went to Zech Frantz, Curtis Mohney, and the 69er.

Michaels Mercer Raceway will return to action on April 27, with a full five-division program starting at 7 p.m. The grand opening will be the first night of points racing for the Diehl Ram Big Block Modifieds, the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals Fastrack Limited Modifieds, the Hards Welding and Fabrication/River Valley Butcher Block 305 Sprints, the Barris Trucking Modified Lites, and the Ray's Racing Collectibles/Eperthener Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Michaels Mercer Raceway: Michaels Mercer Raceway is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstates 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through early October. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com.

(Mercer, PA March 27, 2019): This Saturday, March 30, the throaty roar of Big Block Modifieds will be heard at Michaels Mercer Raceway. The opening event for the 2019 racing season will feature the BRP Modified Tour. The racing action will start at 7 p.m., with practice sessions commencing a half hour earlier. Pit Gates will open at 4 p.m., and the grandstands will be open at 5 p.m.

"I am really excited about Saturday's program," said track owner Ed MIchaels while taking a break from his final preparations for the big contest. "I've been a Modified fan all my life, and I've been looking forward to opening day ever since I bought the track in November of 2018. I couldn't think of a better way to kick things off than this," he added. The BRP Modified Tour brings together all of the area's best Big Block Modified racers and it attracts many top drivers from the Empire state as well. "With no racing going on up north, we expect some invaders on Saturday."

The BRP Modified Tour has raced at the tricky Mercer oval 27 times over the years. The very first sanctioned contest was won by the legendary driver, Lou Blaney, in 1998. But another familiar name, Rex King, Sr., holds the top honors with six wins to his credit. Other winners in Mod Tour events were Kevin Bolland, Dave Murdick, Rex King, Jr., Jeremiah Shingledecker, Brian Swartzlander, Alan Dellinger, Russell King, Tommy Kristyak, Lonnie Riggs, Ron Smoker, and Erick Rudolph. Many of these stars still compete with the traveling series and are expected to be on hand.

Other talents, like Jim Rasey, Brad Rapp, Kevin Hoffman, Tommy Mattocks, Rick Regalski, Jimmy Holden, and many more will be looking for their fist checkered flag of the year.

Diehl Ram, of Grove City will be backing the Big Block Modifieds all season long at Michaels Mercer Raceway. Saturday's race will not count towards the track championship, but that won't deter the racers from putting forth the maximum effort to get the victory. The feature event will pay $2,000 to the winner, making the Chiller Thriller one of the region's best paydays for the division.

Also on the card will be the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals Fastrak Limited Modifieds, the Hards Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Block Racesaver 305 Sprint Cars, the Barris Trucking Modified Lites, and the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks.

Ticket prices for this race will be just $15. Seniors (age 60 and over) will be admitted for $12. Children ages 13 and under will be admitted for free. Pit passes will be $35. Senior will receive a $5 discount for their pit passes.

The race will have a rain date of April 13. Please remember to sign up with RainedOut.com to get the latest announcements regarding the status of the program.

Additional information can be obtained at the website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, or by calling the track office at 724-662-1310.

About Michaels Mercer Raceway: Michaels Mercer Raceway is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com,

Jordan Finds Last Lap Inspiration for Mercer Summer Nationals Victory

(Mercer, PA July 14, 2018): Before a near-capacity crowd, Jordan Ryan scored the biggest win of his young career in the Summer Nationals at Mercer Raceway, Park. The victory was worth $3,500 to the driver from Castalia, OH, who recently took over the seat of the McClure Motorsports number 9.

Also taking wins were Josh Sliter in the Tribute to Mark Marcucci for the Modified Lites, Andy Buckley in the Open Stocks, and Levi Spinneweber in the Super 6 Late Models.

As the laps wound down in the Sprint Car feature, Jordan Ryan prayed, and he talked to Jason Johnson, and he asked others to watch over him, too. He realized when the red flag came out instead of the checkers, that he would be tested, but he had a plan. "I yanked the wing back a little more," figuring that his car would push a little. He was concerned that the second place car of Andrew Palker could blow by him on the outside on the restart, and that he would look stupid if he did. Everything worked out for Ryan, of course. "I've won a couple of other ones, but nothing like this," he exclaimed. "We needed to get the monkey off our back real bad this year, and to do it here, in this first event the Bovas, Priesters, and everybody else put on; man, it was just an awesome event and I can't wait to come back."

Jordan Ryan and Cody Bova had the first row for the start of the 30 lap A Main, with Trey Jacobs and Andrew Palker in the second row, and Craig Mintz and Dennis Wagner in row three. Ryan grabbed the early lead, with Bova in second, Palker third, Jacobs in fourth, and Mintz in fifth. Ryan's lead was erased on lap two, when Tracy Hines brought his machine to a stop in turn three.

When the green light came on again, Ryan easily pulled away from Bova. He had a lead of nearly two seconds when the caution came on for Michael Bauer's stop in turn four. Before the field could complete another lap, Gary Kreiss, Jr. flipped his mount in turn three. He was unhurt, but unable to continue in the race. When the cars were beginning to realign for the restart, Cody Bova pulled into the pits surrendering his second position. That moved Palker up a notch.

Jordan maintained his lead on the restart. Palker began moving around on the track in search of a faster line. He was unable to find one, however, and Jordan's lead was growing again. Palker got a break when Jeremy Kornbau and Henry Malcuit tangled in turn four with nine laps complete.

The racers finally got a long green flag run going on the ensuing restart. During the twenty lap span, Jordan caught the rear of the field and started to lap the slower machines. While doing so, he continued to lead Palker, Jacobs, Harble, and Zimbardi.As the other lead cars began to pick their way through traffic, Jacobs started to apply some pressure on Palker for second, and Adam Kekich cracked the top five.

Jacobs was coming off turn four with the checkered flag in sight when the red flag was suddenly displayed. Kekich, who had reached the fourth position, flipped in turn two. His car caught fire, but he was extracted without injury.

That set up a one lap dash for the cash. Jordan got away cleanly. Palker tried to dive into turn one to make up some ground, but there was no catching Jordan on an unobstructed track. Crossing after them was Jacobs, Harble, and Zimbardi.

Twelve cars answered the call for the Sprint Car non-qualifiers race. Vincent Daugherty led wire to wire. Darin Gallagher was a close second. Kelsey Ivy, Jared McFarland, and Kayla Green were in the top five. Eric L. Williams, Davey Jones, George Englert, John McCracken, Jr., and Bob McMillen completed the top ten.

Heat winners in the 48 car field were Dennis Wagner, Mitch Harble, Trey Jacobs, Jared Zimbardi, Andrew Palker, and Cody Bova. The B Main winner was Carl Bowser. Mike Marano, II won the C Main. The Dashes went to Jordan Ryan and Cody Bova. The fastest qualifier was Brandon Spithaer, at 14.199 seconds. He was scheduled to start in row three of the A Main, but scratched. He received a consolation prize for his troubles.

Special awards were also presented to Kekich, as the hard luck driver; George Hobaugh, Jr., for the first Sprint Car flip of the night and also for the first wreck of the night; C.J. Jones for the highest finishing 360 Sprint; and Danny Smith for the longest tow. Two lap leader bonuses were collected by Ryan Jordan. Andrew Palker and Jared Zimbardi received bonuses for their respective top five finishes.

Rod Jones got out to a substantial lead in the fifteen lapper dedicated to the former Modified Lite track champion, Mark Marcucci, who lost his life in a highway accident. The race would pay $888 to the winner.

Josh Sliter chased Jones down and passed him in turn one on lap thirteen. A caution on the final lap gave Alan Dellinger a chance to overhaul Jones as well, but he was unable to complete the pass.

Shane Pfeuffer and Jacob Bova were fourth and fifth. Positions six through ten went to Chris Robinson, Mitch Ward, R.J. Pietz, Kenny Meadows, and Matt Ward.

Heat winners for the 49 car field were Sliter, Rod Jones, Jeff Teeters, Kenny Meadows, Alan Knepper, and Alan Dellinger. The twin B Mains went to Matt Ward and Shane Webb. Sliter also topped the speed charts in qualifications, with a lap of 18.993 seconds.

Additional awards were presented to Chris Robinson as the hard Charger, Ted Williams for hard luck, R.J. Pietz for eighth place in the feature, and Rod Jones for leading lap eight.

Tyler Purnell topped the ten-lap non-qualifiers race for the Mod Lites. Jacob Eakin was second in the affair that was marred by a number of cautions and a red flag for Roman Jones, who was not hurt in his wild ride. Dave Innes, Ayden Cipriano, Deric Ellsworth, Joey Sisk, Tiffany WIlliams, Ted Williams, Ed Mudrick, and Steve Mix, Jr. were other top ten finishers.

Andy Buckley pulled off a turn four pass on the final lap to steal the win from former track kingpin Rusty Moore. Moore led from the start of the twenty lapper. Buckley's win was worth $1,200. His car was in pieces in the weeks leading up to this race, as Buckley tore it down completely looking to find more speed and reliability.

Moore jumped out to an early lead over Exley, Bryan Wagner, Tim Bish, and Alan Dellinger. Bish climbed up to second just four laps into the fray. While he chased Moore, he was unable to mount a serious challenge for the lead. Exley regained second position on lap fifteen.

But, Buckley was the man on the move in the final laps of the race. he followed Exley into third, and took the second position with two to go. Buckely kept the charge going, and he closed in on Moore.

When Moore swung a little wide in turn four on the final lap, that opened up the bottom groove for Buckley. He had a full head of steam as he came off the fourth turn, and he barely beat Moore to the finish line!

Dellinger was third, followed by Tim Bish, and Curtis J. Bish. Exley held on for sixth. Bill Hurrelbrink, Jamie Sharba, Larry Kugel, and Bobby Heim rounded out the top ten.

Heat winners were Tim Bish, Wagner, and Moore. The B Main belonged to William Phillips. The fastest qualifier was Alan Dellinger, who toured the speedway in 18.195 seconds.

Curtis J. Bish was the hard charger, passing ten cars on his way to the front. Russ Coyne received a bonus for the highest placing car with a GM Crate engine.

Mercer Raceway Park was placed in the hands of a realtor in October of 2017 with the goal of a complete sale of the facility. While some offers have been tendered - no sale is imminent at this time.

It would appear that the traditional weekly racing program will NOT take place during the 2018 season at Mercer Raceway Park although some racing is not completely out of the realm of possibility.

During this time while the track is actively "For Sale", a number of "Special Events" will take place at Mercer Raceway Park in 2018.

The first of these "Special Events" will be on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 6:30PM when the annual USA-EAST "All American Spring Nationals" Tractor and Truck pull will take place. This high-powered motor sports event featuring the world famous Big Rigs Pulling Series is under the direction of Full Pull Productions, inc. of Jamestown, Pennsylvania.

Full Pull has also scheduled their annual "Power Pull" at Mercer Raceway Park for Saturday, September 15, 2018.

Other potential "Special Events" will be announced as the details become available.

Mercer Raceway Park is willing to entertain rental offers from responsible parties for the use of the track and facilities.

(Mercer, PA October 7, 2017): Jimmy Holden put a capper on an outstanding 2017 season at Mercer Raceway Park, tking both nights of the 18th Annual Little Guys Nationals. Holden's last win in the finale for the season-ending extravaganza was in 2012.

Jimmy Holden, of Tiona, PA, was the winner of the Turn 4 Toilets feature for the 358 Modifieds. Holden benefited from an error by leader Phil Vigneri. The New Yorker spun in turn one while leading on lap 16.

Vigneri grabbed the lead on the opening lap, but the action was furious behind him. Andy Priest, Tommy Glenn, Lonny Riggs, and Travis Shingledecker were fighting for position. Riggs was trying to weave his way to the front when he spun in turn four. He was clobbered by Jason Sines. Neither driver was hurt, but both were eliminated from competition, as were several others.

On the restart, Vigneri remained out front, but Jimmy Holden took second and began the chase. However, Vigneri was having not trouble negotiating the trcky oval until lap 16, that is.

Holden was appointed the new leader, and that was all he needed to put the exclamation mark on the seasom. Steve Schumacher raced in second, with Travis Shingledecker in third. Phil Vigneri, who had worked his way back into the top five, began to apply the pressure.

At the finish, it was Holden, Schumacher, Shingledecker, Vigneri, and John Smith. Kyle Holden, Travis Walsh, Kevin Green, Jerry Bowser, and Matt Reeher completed the top ten.

Preliminaries went to Todd Gordon, Vigneri, and Riggs. There was no B Main.

Cody Bova, of nearby Struthers, OH, won the biggest 305 Sprint Car race of his young career, getting the second night victory for the Bonnell's Rod Shop portion of the Little Guy Nationals. Mike Marano II led at the start, but soon Devin Litwiler grabbed the lead. Litwiler had a comfortable three second lead wiped out by a caution. That enabled Bova, who was clearing a car per lap before the caution, to move forward at a quicker pace. Bova took second on lap eleven and three laps later he took the lead when Litwiler slid out over the edge of the backstretch. Matt Foos mounted an charge over the final handful of laps, but he could not catch the fleet Bova. Andy Priest was third, followed by Litwiler and Bobby Clark. Jeremy Kornbau, Mike Burkin, Marano, Gregg McCandless, and C.J. Jones completed the top en. The opening stanzas went to Clark and Litwiler.

In the A Main for the Open Stock Cars, Brent Johnson of Brookville, PA, romped to victory. Johnson got a scare on a late-race restart when Leigh Wheeler surged ahead from his third place starting spot. However, the move was nullified by a mid-pack wreck involving several cars. Johnson was better prepared for the next onslaught, and he was able to keep Wheeler at bay. Andy Thompson was second, followed by Wheeler. William Hurrelbrink and Jamie Duncan traded fourth several times, with Hurrelbrink keeping it for good. Jamie Scharba, Terry Wheeler, Pat Fielding, Gary Luzier, and Tyler Dietz completed the top ten. Tim Bish, Scharba, Johnson, and Leigh Wheeler were victors in the heat races.

Jeremy Weaver, of Franklin, PA, captured his first career RUSH Sportsman Modified feature event. Weaver held off Justin Shea, who also finished second on Friday night. Jerry Schaffer was third. Blaze Myers and Friday's winner, Chaz Wolbert, completed the top five. Kole Holden recovered from an opening lap spin to get sixth. David Kalb, Jr., Will Schaffer, A.J. Gillespie, and Chad Gump rounded out the top ten. Heat winners were Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Steve Slater, and Jerry Schaffer. There was no B Main.

Rod Jones of West Middlesex went wire to wire in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lite portion of the Little Guys Nationals. The race was punctuated by a red for Chris Logan who went upside down, but was not hurt, and by several yellows for lesser incidents. Brent Begolo ran second, but he had to hold off Tracy Fritter over the course of the final handful of laps. Doug Stanley and Jeff Davis completed the top five. Kenny Meadows, Shayne Meadows, Bobby Springer, Kurt Eckstrom, and Ed Mudrick were in positions six through ten. Begolo and Fritter were the heat winners. There was no B Main.

In the Mini Stocks, presented by Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking, Dave Shook outlasted Darrell Lawson, Jr., and Kyler Jolley. Mike Porterfield ran in the top five the entire way to get fourth. James Grossman was fifth. Next to cross were Kyle Donnelly, Justin Bailey, Tyler Young, William Haylett, and Tyler Fulton. The heat winners were Isaac Paden, Darrell Lawson, Jr., and Dave Shook. There was no B Main.

The Two Barrel Econo Modifieds got off to a horrific start when Steve Haefke crashed hard in turn one. Fortunately he was unhurt. But it set the tone for yet another caution-filled event. Brandon Blackshear out dueled his brother, Brad, in the early stages of the race, and held on for the win. Mitchell Wright, Josh Mueller was third. Then came Brad Blackshear and Todd Canter. Mike Boyd, Dan McDonald, Ray Gregory, Mark Titos, and Gary Miller were the next five finishers. Heat wins went to Josh Ferry and Brandon Blackshear. There was no B Main.

Jeff Weaver, of Mill Hall, PA, and Todd Reusser, of Minerva, OH, tied in the 270 Micro Sprint feature. Weaver and Reusser were fighting for the lead on the last lap, when contact was made, and they both fell back several positions. But, a caution gave them both another chance, as the restart was based on the last completed lap, Again, they went at it with hammers and tongs. They came off turn four charging to the falgstand. The officials were evenly divided as to the winner, so the race was declared to be a tie. Their one lap dash for the win was marred by a crash involving Jeff Haefke, the Friday night winner. Haefke was among the top runners when he hit the wall just a few yards from the finish line. Taking third was Luke Kroboth ahead of Brian Borawiec. The remaining cars reverted to lap 14 scoring due to the red flag for Haefke. So, fifth went to Ryan Fredericks. Sixth through tenth belonged to Dave Hawkins, Scott Hawkins, Brandon Fredericks, Tim Eakin, and Chase Metheny. The heat winners were Reusser, Borawiec, and Austin Pasquarella. The B Main winner was Levi Truitt.

The Open Stock Cars B Main was the nightcap. It was a crash-filled event with Curtis J. Bish taking his battered car across the line in first. Scott Byers was second, followed Mike Bordt, Brett McDonald, and Jason Black completing the top five. Garrett Calvert, Jesse Brock, Justin Forsythe, Bob McCann, and Steve Allison completed the top ten.

After methodically working his way into the top five, Jimmy Holden used two fantastic restarts to get to the front in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modified featured feature. The first was a powerful drive on the outside to take second away from Jeff Schaffer, Sr. on lap 12. The final move was two laps later, when he got the jump on leader Lonny Riggs.

Riggs and Schaffer Sr. were locked in a battle for the lead over the first half of the race. Riggs took over the point on the lap eleven restart. Meanwhile, Holden was quietly coming forward from his ninth place starting position. As he did so, Tom Glenn and Jason Sines remained firmly in the top five.

At the checkers, it was Holden, Riggs, Schaffer, Glenn, and Greg Martin. Phil Vigneri edged out Sines for sixth. Tommy Kristyak came from fifteenth to get eighth. Kevin Hoffman and John Smith were also top ten runners.Glenn and Holden were first to cross in their respective heats. There was no B Main.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints, the Ohio contingent took the podium spots, with Dustin Rull going flag to flag. Matt Foos came on late in the race for second, and Bobby Clark came along for third. Cody Bova, who split time between Mercer Raceway Park and the Ohio tracks in 2017, was the first local to cross the line. Gregg McCandless was fifth. Andy Priest, Devin Litwiler, C.J. Jones, Frank Neill, and Jeremy Kornbau were the next five finishers. It was bittersweet for Kornbau, who spun off the top of turn four as he was making a bid for the lead in the early stages of the race. McCandless and Litwiler copped the preliminaries. There was no B Main.

In the Open Stock Cars, Tim Bish snatched the lead away from Bobby Heim on the opening round, and held control over the course of the twenty lap affair. Heim kept former track champion Bill Hurrelbrink at bay, while Jacob Billyk and Mike Miller held top five positions throughout. The battles were for positions six through ten, with Bob McCann, Andy Thompson, Pat Fielding, Charlie McMillin, and Jamie Sharba mixing things up through most of the contest. However, when the checkers flew, it was Andy Thompson in sixth, Mark Thompson up to seventh, then McCann, Terry Wheeler, and Troy Norman completing the top ten. Hurrelbrink, Brent Johnson, and Bish were heat winners. Fielding took the B Main.

In the maiden voyage for the RUSH Sportsmen Modifieds at Mercer Raceway Park, Chaz Wolbert took the lead at the outset, and was never headed in the twenty lapper. However, Justin Shea made several challenges for the the top spot over the second half of the contest. Shea even tried to loosen him up in the final corners, but Shea could not take advantage of the bump and run tactic. Kole Holden was third, after racing up to second around the middle of the race. Brandon Ritchey and Rocky Kugel completed the top five. Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Chad Gump, Jerry Schaffer, Kyle Martel, and Alan Dellinger rounded out the top ten. Gump, Steve Slater, and Brian Shaffer topped their respective qualifiers, and Josh Deems was best in the B Main.

Jeff Heafke tracked down early leader Ryan Fredericks and went on to victory in the 270 Micro Sprint feature. Brandon Fredericks was second, with Ryan in third at the finish. Todd Reusser and Tim Eakin were fourth and fifth. John Walker, Austin Pasquerella, Brandon Hawkins, Noah Wirgini, and Chase Matheny were sixth through tenth. Dave Hawkins, Metheny, and Luke Kroboth were fastest in their heat races. There was no B Main.

Josh Ferry inherited a front row starting position in the Two Barrel Econo Modified feature when leader Gary Miller spun in turn four before the first lap was completed. Ferry made the best of the opportunity, claiming the top spot when the race officially started. Brandon Blackshear chased him the entire fifteen laps, but could not make a move for the win. Steve Haefke, Brad Blackshear, and Nate Young rounded out the top five. Josh Mueller, Mitchell Wright, Keith Felicetty, Miller, and Ray Gregory were the next five across the finish line. Heat victories went to Brandon Blackshear and Ferry. There was no B Main.

Evan Darby started on the pole and led the entire distance to claim the Young Guns Junior Sprint feature event. Mike Lutz, Jr. took second from Jordan Simmons with one lap down, and he held the position to the finish as well. Tyler Allison, Stone Lapcevich and Luke Mulichak completed the top five. Simmons was sixth despite spinning on the final lap of the contest. Jaren Dye, Samuel Darby, and Alston Randall were the remaining competitors. The heat victory belonged to Samuel Darby.

Alan Dellinger, who has dominated just about every class that he has raced in throughout Western Pennsylvania, picked up his second win of the season in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites. He overtook Doug Stanley, another seasoned racer, on lap nine. The race was marred by a major crash in turn one with eleven laps completed. While heavy damage was inflicted on several machines, all of the drivers were reported to be without harm. Chris Logan grabbed third soon after racing resumed, and kept it for the remainder of the race. Rod Jones finished a notch ahead of his daughter, Vivian. Jeff Davis, Cole Petrelle, Brent Begolo, Josh Wyer, and Bobby Springer completed the top ten. Mark Marcucci, Tracy Fritter, and Shawn Sliter were tops in their respective heat races. There was no B Main.

In the finale for the Mini Stocks, offered by Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking, J.R. Shaner earned his first career win, over Dillon Speer, who was also seeking that cherished first victory. Shaner took the lead from his front row starting spot, but he had to hold off Speer, who was closing fast. Mike Porterfield was third, ahead of Jason Shaw and Rick Feely. Darrell Lawson, Jr., Chris Knight, Will Aley, Ed Haylett, and Tyler Young finished sixth through tenth. Aley, Lawson, and Shane Shook took heat wins. There was no B Main.

(Mercer, PA August 5, 2017): Danny Holtgraver became the first repeat winner of the Paul "Putsy" Kekich Memorial at Mercer Raceway Park. Triumphant in 2015, Holtgraver came on strong in the final laps of the race to claim the $3,000 prize. The event, made possible by Sunburst Environmental and Bonnell's Rod Shop, honored the late winner of four Sprint features and a pair of Modified victories at the Park.

Other winners on the night were Lonny Riggs in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, Cody Bova in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars, Mark Marcucci in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, Bill Fuchs in the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks, and Alston Randall in the Young Guns Junior Sprints.

Dash winner George Hobaugh, Jr. and Michael Bauer had the front row for the start of the 30 lap Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint A Main, with Jack Sodeman, Jr. and Holtgraver right behind. Carl Bowser and Jimmy Morris lined up next. At the drop of the green, Hobaugh scooted out front, with Bauer and Sodeman nipping at his heels. Brandon Matus, winner of the first Kekich Memorial race, spun in turn three with one lap down. He was unable to restart the contest.

Hobaugh got away cleanly on the restart. Bauer held down the second spot, with Sodeman challenging. Holtgraver, Bowser, Adam Kekich, Dan Kuriger, Gary Kriess, Jr., Cory Good, and Morris were battling for positions.

With the race approaching the halfway mark, Sodeman began to show some speed. Looking to get back to back Kekich Memorial wins, he worked past Bauer on lap 13, just before the second and final caution was displayed for Kuriger's miscue.

When racing resumed, Hobaugh still held control, but now Sodeman was in the chase position. Bauer held third, but Holtgraver made the pass at the halfway mark to take over the position. Bauer began falling back, as Bowser, Kekich, and Kreiss got by.

Lap 20 saw a new leader, Sodeman, courtesy of a strong move coming off turn four. But Holgraver was coming on as well. Two laps later, the Pittsburgh native swooped into second and he began cutting into Sodeman's lead. Holtgraver went to the outside in turn four to grab the lead as they took the five lap signal.

Holtgraver poured on the coals over the final five laps, and he held a three and a half second advantage at the checkers. Sodeman kept second, with Bowser, Kriess, and Hobaugh rounding out the top five.

Bauer bounced back to get the sixth position, followed by Kekich, Rod George, Good, and Sye Lynch in a rare Mercer start.

The heat winners were Sodeman, Bauer, and Holtgraver. Holtgraver also was the night's fastest qualifier, at 14.302 seconds. Sodeman's second place finish was enough to propel him back into the points lead with only a pair of races remaining on the docket for the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars.

The two top point men in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modified ranks, Lonny Riggs and Jimmy Holden, were on the front row for their position of the Kekich Memorial. Rich Whitney was lined up third, with Tommy Kristyak along side. Jason Sines and Kyle Fink occupied the third row.Riggs fired first, and assumed the lead entering turn one. Holden settled into second, with Kristyak in third. After a quick caution, Kristyak took second and something seemed amiss in Jimmy Holden's car. By lap four, the current points leader was sidelined.

Meanwhile, Riggs continued to lead Kristyak, Fink, and J.R.McGinley. Jason Sines was having one of his better runs, maintaining the fifth position. Krystyak stayed close, but could not make the pass.

Riggs took the win, followed by Kristyak, Fink, McGinley, and Sines. Sid Unverzagt, Jr. was sixth, ahead of Kyle Holden, Whitney, and Jerry Bowser. Despite his early retirement, Jimmy Holden was credited with the tenth position.

The heat winners were Riggs and Jimmy Holden. Kristyak turned the beast lap in teh qualifications, at 17.201 seconds.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints, Shamus O'Donnell and Joe Sylvester had the front row, and Mike Miller and Mike Marano, II were in row two. Points leader Darin Gallagher and Gregg McCandless next to him in the third row. Sylvester grabbed the lead immediately, with McCandless, Miller, Cody Bova, and Marano in tow.

With Sylvester still out front, Bova moved into the second spot. By the fifth round, Bova had the lead, but Sylvester stayed in second, ahead of McCandless, Gallagher and Andy Priest.

Sylvester's strong performance came to a disappointing end on the final lap, when he spun from a certain top five finish.

Bova crossed the line first, with McCandless 6.6 seconds in arrears. Priest climbed up to third, followed by Gallagher and Marano. Jeremy Konbau was sixth. Sylvester was scored in seventh based upon laps completed. Caitlin Chaffman, O'Donnell, and Mike Miller completed the field.Kornbau and Bova won the preliminaries, while Gallagher topped qualifications with a 15.368 second lap.

Mark Marcucci won a crash-filled Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lite feature that saw three cars get upside down. Fortunately, none of the racers were hurt. The win moved Marcucci into second place in the standings. With three Mod Lite races remaining in the regular season, can Macucci wipe out the 31 point deficit?

Kurt Eckstorm and Jay Dye paced the field for the start of the fifteen lapper. Dye jumped out front, but Marcucci was in second and Eckstrom in third. Marcucci took control after a restart , and led the rest of the way despite the frequent interruptions. Vivian Jones got a career best second place finish, ahead of Keith Smith, Doug Jones, and points leader Shane Webb. Eckstrom, Dusty Frantz, Jason Johnston, Ed Murdick, and Doug Stanley completed the top ten.The heat winners were Joey Zambotti and Marcucci. Marcucci also topped the time trials, at 18.474 seconds.

In the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks, Bill Fuchs was the winner after some last-lap fireworks that led to a penalty being imposed upon Shane Shook. Isaac Paden was scored in second, followed by Pat Hanlon, Kyle Donnelly, and Justin Bailey. Karlee Longwell, Harold Winner, Nick Steiger, William Haylett, and Summer Pitts completed the top ten. Tim Callahan tangled with a lapped car while leading, eliminating himself from the action. Heat wins belonged to Fuchs and Shook.

In the Young Guns Junior Sprints, the apparent winner, was disqualified. That conferred the victory upon Alston Randall. Luke Mulichak, Jaren Dye, Mike Lutz, Jr., and Blaine Schlechty completed the field. The heat win went to Simmons.

Next week, the BRP Modifieds roll into town to take on the track's Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds in the annual Smackdown! Joining the Mods will be the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints, the Rock Concrete Supply Mod Lites, and the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. The Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints will return on August 19, for the Summer Shootout, that pits then against the potent 410 Sprints from the Attica Fremont Sprint Tour (FAST). The FAST 305 Sprints will also be on hand to contest things with our Bonnell's Rod Shops 305s. Four other divisions will also be on tap. Regular season racing will conclude on August 26, with the Patriot Sprint Group added to the championship runs for the Saturday Night Live! crew. That will also be the final Meet Your Heroes Night, presented by Herr's Snack Foods.

Racing Resumes at Mercer Raceway Park on American Cancer Society Racing for a Cure Night; Fireworks; and Bicycle Give Away

(Mercer, PA July 13, 2017): After a short summer vacation, the racing community will assemble again at Mercer Raceway Park on July 15 for an exciting Saturday Night Live! program featuring some of the area's best cars and stars. It will be Racing for a Cure night, too, so the American Cancer Society will be on hand to help celebrate the life of Karl Henning, a long-time member of the Dionise Race Team. But the action will not be confined to the tricky Mercer oval. At intermission time, attention will be turned to the skies overhead, as Pizza Joe's will present the annual fireworks display. And, what is more, two lucky children will leave the speedway with bicycles courtesy of Coca Cola.

Jack Sodeman, Jr. will lead the contingent of Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars, and his protege, Darin Gallagher, will do the same in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars. Their rivals are close in the points chase, so, with a little luck, Michael Bauer (410 Sprints) or Gregg McCandless (305 Sprints) could move out front. The same could be true in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, where Bobby Springer holds a slim advantage, and in Ray's Racing Collectibles/Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks, where Bill Fuchs sits atop the rankings. Only Jimmy Holden has a pretty safe margin in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, but the racing for the win will still be intense.

The gates will open at 4 p.m., with practice and qualifications starting at 5:30. Heat racing will follow.

Despite the extras, this program will have regular event ticket pricing. So, adults can get the full experience for just $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. The younger set (ages 8 and under) will be admitted for free, as always. Families can take advantage of the special Family Pass, for only $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be $30.

If you cannot make it to the speedway this weekend, there will be a new event on July 22, as the track will present the first Little Guys Nationals preview. The divisions will be the same appear in the gigantic fall finale.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Sprint Spectacular to be Held at Mercer Raceway ParkExtra Money on the Line for 410 and 305 Sprints, 358 Modifieds, and Mini Stocks

(Mercer, PA June 28, 2017): Sprint Car fans will see a unique tripleheader this Saturday, July 1, at Mercer Raceway Park. Bonnell's Collision Center will bring to the speedway the Patriot Sprint Tour, a series devoted to winged racers powered by 360 cubic inch engines. Also on the program will be the track's two regular winged sprint divisions, the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints and the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints. Some drivers will compete in two of the classes, and, several seasons ago, young Danny Holtgraver won both the 410 and the 360 races. Will any be bold enough to try all three? Will any be good enough to win all three? You will have to be there to see if for yourself!

Jared Zimbardi, of Bradford, is the leading winner on the Patriot Sprint Tour in 2017 and he is the current points leader. He is coming off a win at a New York speedway, and he has other victories at three more tour stops. Can he maintain his momentum? Zimbardi will face stiff competition from racers like Steve Collins, Kyle Drum. Darryl Ruggles, and Jordan Thomas, to name a few. And, because this Saturday's event is part of a mini series, it is quite possible that some other notables will be on hand, like Chuck Hebing, Brian Howland, Robbie Stillwaggon, and Mark Smith. Even some racers familiar to Mercer fans may be there to race with the Patriots, including Dennis Wagner, Joe McEwen, and Cody Bova!

Jack Sodeman, Jr. will be looking to build upon his points lead in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints, and a win could net the veteran from North Jackson, OH, a cool $2,000. Michael Bauer may have something to say about that, as he is challenging for his first 410 championship. Another racer to watch will be popular Rod George, who scored a win the last time he went to the post at the track he once dominated. Many others will be on hand, and those less fortunate will earn $200 to start.

Andy Priest and Darin Gallagher will square off for bragging rights and the extra purse money also on tap for the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints. The winner's share will be $600, and Gregg McCandless, Mike Marano, II, and others will do their best to grab the glory and the gold.

The Turn 4 Toliets 358 Modifieds will be going for $750 to win. While Jimmy Holden and Lonny Riggs must be considered to be contenders, watch for Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Kyle Fink, and the father and son duo of Jeff Schaffer Sr., and Jr. put them to the test.

Rounding out the card will be the Mini Stocks, presented by Ray's Racing Collectibles, and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking. Bill Fuchs, Tim Callahan, Tyler Fulton, and Isaac Paden will be in the hunt, for sure. But, so will more than a dozen other racers. These guys and gals have been putting on some of the most exciting, wheel to wheel action week in and week out. You will not want to miss them!

The gates will open at 4 p.m. Practice and time trials will begin at approximately 5:45, and heat racing will follow immediately thereafter.

Special event ticket pricing will apply. Adult admission will be just $15 for this program, and remember that Fireworks will be included, courtesy of Pizza Joe's. Seniors (60+) will enjoy the Independence Day celebration for only $13, and students (9-15) for $7. The children (8 and under) will be free, as always. A Family Pass will be available for $35, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $35, and that will allow the bearer to get up close and personal while the racers are preparing for the evening's speed contests.

Keep in mind that parking is free at Mercer Raceway Park, and there is plenty of room for free camping. No hookups are available, however.

Mercer Raceway Park will be dark on July 8, but racing will resume on July 15, with a Saturday Night Live! event. That evening will also be Racing for a Cure Night, as the speedway will show its support for the American Cancer Society.

Remember, too, that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

B.O.S.S. Invades Mercer Raceway Park

(Mercer, PA May 23, 2017): Traditional Sprint Car racing returns to Mercer Raceway Park this Saturday, May 27. The Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series, presented by Rick's Truck & Equipment, brings their exciting style to the tricky oval. These racers will compete without their wings, allowing for more wheel to wheel action. This is a must see event for every Sprint Car enthusiast!

This will be the third outing for the B.O.S.S. tour in 2017. The opener at Atomic Speedway, in southern Ohio, went to Justin Owen. Dustin Smith won the next round at Fremont Speedway, also in Ohio. Last week's event at Lawrenceburg Speedway, in Indiana, was rained out, so you know that the touring drivers will be ready for action when they get to the Keystone state.

The tour boasts eighteen of the best non-wing racers. Joining Smith will be another former series champion, Mike Miller. Aaron Middaugh has a perfect attendance record on the line, as he has raced in every B.O.S.S. race ever held. Michael Fischesser, Chad Wilson, Steve Little, Cody Gardner, Kirk Jeffries, Riley VanHise, Matt Westfall, Paul Dues, Buddy Lowther, and Matt Cooley will also be in action.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for three of the B.O.S.S. racers. Bob McMillin and Joe Butera, both of Wampum, PA, will return to their old stomping grounds. Andy Feil, another former Mercer regular, is also racing with the B.O.S.S. tour now. He hails from New Castle.

Another name that may be familiar to the Mercer fans is Carmen Perigo, from Stoystown. Perigo is a second generation driver. Fans may recall that his father, Carmen Sr., raced Modifieds back in the day.

Mercer regulars like Jack Sodeman, Jr., Gale Ruth, Sr., Davey Jones, and Rod George enjoy racing without their wings, so watch them defend their home turf against the invaders. Come out to see who else will be brave enough to go topless at the track!

Mercer favorite Arnie Kent is also expected to make his return to the speedway, as the veteran driver has been limitting his racing to B.O.S.S. events in the region for the last couple of seasons.The B.O.S.S. race will be filmed for the ISC Sports Network. That Indiana-based network will not be available for local viewers. However, it does offers on demand service through ISCSportsNetwork.com.

Also on the card will be the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, featuring three-time winner Jimmy Holden and two-time winner Kyle Fink. But, will this be the week for Lonny Riggs to dock in victory lane? Darin Gallagher and Andy Priest will resume their battle for supremacy in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints. The Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks will bring the thundering herd to the speedway. And, an added attraction will be the Open Stocks and the Junior Sprints!

All of this racing action can be seen for the low price of $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (60+), and $7 for students (9-15). The youngsters (8 and under) will be admitted for free. Family Passes for this speedfest will be $32, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be just $30 for those who want to get up close and personal to the non-wing stars.

The gates will open at 4 p.m. Hot laps and qualifications will start at 5:45, with heat racing to follow.

If you cannot attend this weekend's Sprint Car special, get ready for the next one3 on June . Tony Stewart's All Stars Circuit of Champions will roar into town to make up for their program that was rained out a couple of weeks ago. The wings will be back in place for this program, of course.

And, remember that the U.S.A. East All American Spring Nationals Truck and Tractor Pull will be held on Sunday, May 28. There will be a Monday rain date for the season's first big pulling event.Remember, too, that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Good Was Best at Mercer Raceway Park;LaLonde, Fink, Fuchs,and Marcucci also Win

(Mercer, PA May 20, 2017): Cory Good, of Butler, was best at Mercer Raceway Park in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars, topping his teammate, Rod Geaorge by nearly 1.6 seconds. For Good, it was his first 410 career victory ever, and it came at a track that he rarely frequents. Indeed, it was only his second win ever, the first one coming many years ago in a Limited Sprint contest in Ohio.

"We haven't raced in a couple of weeks and my wife said that I was allowed to go twice this week, so here I am!" exclaimed the happy winner. Good acknowledged that he hasn't been to Mercer Raceway Park in years, and he "took advantage of a good position on the track." Good, who was absent from the racing scene for a couple of seasons, got the itch to race again after his father, Larry, passed away. "He had some stuff and we were able to get a car together."

Good was greeted in victory lane by his teammate, Rod George, who had a big smile as he hugged the younger drive. "That was great stuff," George said as he congratulated Good on a job well done.

Good and George occupied row one for the 25 lapper, with George Hobaugh and A.J. Flick in row two, and Danny Holtgraver and last week's winner, Michael Bauer in row three. Good was masterful on the starts and restarts, and he was able to get a quick advantage over the Kittanning Comet. Meanwhile, Hobaugh and Flick were battling for the third position, and Bauer was fending off divisional champion Jack Sodeman, Jr.

Four laps into the fray, Good was pulling away from George, who now had Fflick in his shadow. A caution slowed the pace when Jimmy Seger stopped midway down the back stretch. This time, Good brought the field down for a single file start, and he had no difficulty setting the pace. However, George was starting to close in as the leader was approaching some lapped traffic. Another stoppage occurred on lap seven when Lee Jacobs brought his mount to a stop in nearly the same position as Seger did three laps earlier. Francis Sesco also stopped. Both refired, but Jacobs took his car to the pits while the field was forming up under the yellow.

The racers clicked off nine more laps, with Good out front, ahead of George, Flick, Hobaugh, and Holtgraver. On lap 16 the racing was stopped twice. The most significant was the second incident, which occurred in turn four when MIchael Bauer got crossed up while running in the top ten. While Bauer kept moving, four other cars tangled, with Gale Ruth, Sr. getting upside down. Also involved were Sesco, Codt Bova, and David Just. Ruth was unhurt, but unable to continue.

Good brought the field down for the final restart at a very slow pace. He charged off four with a lead that grew as the final laps were completed without incident. George maintained second to the finish. Flick outpaced Hobaugh and Sodeman.

Danny Hotgraver crossed in sixth, ahead of New Yorker Joe Katta. Cody Bova recovered from that lap 16 fracas to take eighth with his 360 powered racer. Michael Bauer and Dennis Wagner completed the top ten.

Late arrival Lee Jacobs was the fastest qualifier for the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints, setting the mark of 13.722. Jacobs was relegated to fourth for the start of his heat as a penalty for missing his spot in the time trial order. He displaced Jack Sodeman, Jr. at the top of the qualifications list. Heat winners wee Michael Bauer, Danny Holtgraver, and A.J. Flick. There was no B Main.

Landon LaLonde went wire to wire in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints to earn the victory over Darin Gallagher. Gallagher got close on one occasion, but he could not get his nose under the speedy LaLonde. The race was halted for a lap 15 flip by Adam Anderson, who was unhurt. Following LaLonde and Gallagher were Gregg McCandless, Mike Marano, II, and points leader Andy Priest. The remaining finishers were George Englert, Joe Sylvester, Anderson, and Cody Bova, who was doing double duty. Jeremy Hill was unable to start the race.

Cody Bova set the fastest time in the Bonnell's Rod Shops 305 Sprints. His time was 14.927. Andy Priest won the lone heat race. There was no B Main.

Strattanville's Kyle Fink jumped out front at the drop of the green and maintained a comfortable margin over Jimmy Holden in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, Fink's win was his eleventh in his career and second of the season. Holden has the other three victories this year. Lonnie Riggs ran third, with Jeff Schaffer, Jr. topping veteran Tommy Kristyak, who was making his 2017 debut. Richard Whitney, Jerry

Schaffer, Jason Hufnagel, Sid Unverzagt, Jr., and Ryan Riffe rounded out the top ten.Fink also paced the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds in qualifications with a lap of 16.817 seconds. Jimmy Holden and Lonny Riggs prevailed in the preliminaries. There was no B Main.

Hubbard, OH native Bill Fuchs scored his second victory of the season in the Mini Stocks presented by Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking. Tim Callahan chased him in vain. Tyler Fulton was a close third. Pat Hanlon and Harold Winner completed the top five. Positions six through ten were occupied by Jamie Tasker, Nick Steiger, Tyler Young, Justin Bailey, and Mike Porterfield. Alan "the Admiral" Perry brought out a red for a flip in turn one. He was not hurt, but his car sustained major damage.

The pair of heats belonged to Fulton by an eyelash over Isaac Paden, and Perry. There was no B Main.

Mark Marcucci, of West Middlesex, dominated the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites. Keith Smith likewise had a substantial margin over Shane Webb. Bobby Springer and Jason Johnson were also in the top five. Dusty Frantz, Larry Bevivino, Doug Jones, Glenn Teeters, and Logan Lewis had the top ten covered.

Mark Marcucci timed best at 18.594 seconds. He backed that up with a heat win. Doug Jones was tops in heat two. There was no B Main.

Next weekend Mercer Raceway Park will present a pair of motorsports specials. Saturday evening, May 27, the Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series will invade. These fellows check their wings at the border, so come in for traditional Sprint racing at its finest. Then, Sunday evening, May 28, Full Pull Productions will present the All American Spring Nationals. It will be the first outing for the powerful Trucks and Tractor, so all of the big names in that sport will be on hand to get a great start in the 2017 title chase. There will be a Monday raindate for that event presented by Ritenour Sales & Service.

(Mercer, PA May 13, 2017): "The Professor," Michael Bauer, taught the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars a lesson on how to run the inside line at Mercer Raceway Park. The honors graduate of Clarion University with degrees in Mathematics and Physics easily figured out that the inside was not only the shortest way around the speedway, but the fastest as well.

The Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modified go belonged to Kyle Fink, who assumed the lead when the pole man, J.R. McGinley had problems on lap six. Then, Fink had to hold off Lonny Riggs in a one-lap dash for the cash. Cody Bova dominated the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints, finishing a full straight ahead of Mike Marano, II. Mark Marcucci scored in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, and Isaac Paden prevailed in the Mini Stocks presented by Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking.

"That was the most fun that I've had in a Sprint Car in a while," said the happy winner, Michael Bauer. "Brent and Brandon Matus, there, we were running in a tight pack, there, and really clean racing, a lot of fun to be out there." It did not look like the night was going to be much fun for Bauer, though. "We had a little bit of a problem and weren't able to get a qualifying lap in thee, but we were fortunate enough to be able to move up through the heat race, and, then, we got a large inversion, and that really helped a lot."

In the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints, an invert eight pill gave the front row to veterans Davey Jones and Brent Matus, with Bauer and Brandon Matus in row two, and points leaders Jimmy Seger and Jack Sodeman, Jr., in row three. At the drop of the green, the elder Matus surged into the lead, with Bauer and the younger Matus in tow. Jones settled in for fourth, a notch ahead of Sodeman.

Matus was showing the way on the outside through the early going, but Bauer was cutting into the lead using the low line around the tricky oval. A caution put Bauer right behind Matus for the restart, but that did not phase Matus, who has been following the All Stars tour so far this season. While he continued to lead, his son, Brandon, came on to battle Bauer for the second spot. It was a spirited duel between the two younger pilots who swapped positions for several laps before the final caution flew. Ironically, it was for Brandon Matus, who had jumped the cushion coming off turn two and came to a stop midway down the back stretch.

While Brent Matus still held the point for the restart, Bauer now had an open track. On the restart, he showed his nose to the veteran, but Matus was able to power ahead coming off turn two. Bauer charged hard into three, and the car stuck. He held the inside line perfectly, and raced off turn four with the lead. "Brent was still ahead of us on that restart, there, I thought that I could get under him, but every time I got him, he got a little bit of a run coming off the corners. I just got lucky on one lap, and I was able to get by," Bauer said modestly.

Bauer would never relinquish the top spot, although Sodeman did close in on him as the final laps clicked off.

At the finish, it was Bauer by more than a half second over Sodeman. A.J. Flick returned to the speedway to grab a third place this night. Brent Matus held on for fourth, with the Kittanning Comet, Rod George, flashing across in fifth. Dan Kuriger, Vince Daugherty, Jimmy Seger, Joe McEwen, and Davey Jones rounded out the top ten.

Preliminaries belonged to Dan Kuriger and Rod George. There was no B Main. Jack Sodeman, Jr. set the fastest time of the night, lapping in just 14.024 seconds.

In the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, J.R. McGinley and Jeff Schaffer, Sr. had the front row to themselves, with Riggs and Sid Unverzagt, Jr. next. Fink was inside Richard Whitney for the start, while point leader and three-time winner Jimmy Holden was in the last row after suffering a mechanical problem in his heat race.

McGinley jumped ahead of Riggs and led the first six laps despite several interruptions, one of which was for himself. That turned the lead over to Riggs. Fink overhauled Riggs on the restart, and went on to lead the remaining laps, with Riggs in his shadow. Meanwhile, Holden clawed his way to third before the final stoppage of the event.

The one-lap shootout worked to Fink's advantage, with Riggs taking second. However, Schaffer nosed out Holden for third. Jeff Schaffer, Jr. was fifth in his maiden voyage for this season. Sixth went to Cory Riffe, with Whitney, McGinley, Unverzagt, and Kevin Green earning top tens based upon laps completed.

The heat winners were J.R. McGinley and Jeff Schaffer, Sr., who was also making his first start of the season. There was no B Main. Lonny Riggs was the fastest man in time trials, at 17.377 seconds.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints, Marano and Bova had the front row locked up, and they were out front when the caution was displayed for the second row cars of Darin Gallagher and Gregg McCandless. That moved Andy Priest and Jeremy Kornbau ahead for the restart.

Bova stretched his lead over the next 19 laps, which spun off without any further problems. Marano raced home second, ahead of Priest. Gallagher regrouped to take the fourth position, and McCandless did the same for fifth. Joe Sylvester was the final car to complete the race. Kornbau was scored in seventh based on laps completed and rookie Zachery Hawk was scored in eighth. Another rookie, Nevon O'Donnell, was unable to start the contest.

The heat winners were Gregg McCandless and Darin Gallagher. There was no B Main. The evening's fastest qualifier was Cody Bova, who turned a lap of 15.129 seconds.

The heat winner was Bobby Springer. There was no B Main. Mark Marcucci set the fast time in this class, at 19.665 seconds.

The Mini Stocks presented by Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking belonged to Isaac Paden, who wrestled the lead away from Bill Fuchs. That was part of an amazing four-car battle that also included Tim Callahan, and Terry Feely. Paden surrendered the lead briefly to Fuchs when the youngster slid off the back chute, but he regained his momentum to get the lead and the win. Fuchs, Callahan, Tyler Fulton, and Pat Hanlon were the next finishers. Rick Feely, Logan Keney, Terry Feely, Karlee Longwell, and Joe Keney completed the top ten.

Heat winners were Terry Feely, Logan Keney, and Rick Feely. There was no B Main.

Remember that next week, Mercer Raceway Park will host another Saturday Night Live! racing program. It will also be Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Night, with all members in good standing being admitted to the grandstands for free! Then, there will be two consecutive weeks of Sprint Car specials. The B.O.S.S. Sprints will back 'em in on May 27 when they race without wings. Tony Stewart's All Stars Circuit of Champions will be the featured act on June 3. The Meet Your Heroes Night will be pushed back to June 10.

(Mercer, PA May 4, 2017): With wet weather and unseasonably cold temperatures forecasted for the entire upcoming weekend, Lernerville Speedway, Mercer Raceway Park and Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions officials have decided to postpone the Arctic Cat All Star visit to Western Pennsylvania until Friday and Saturday, June 2-3.

As originally scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, Tony Stewart's Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions will host two, full programs awarding $5,000 each during their weekend visit to The Keystone State, kicking-off the two-race slate with a visit to Lernerville Speedway in Sarver on Friday, June 2, followed by an appearance at Mercer Raceway Park in Mercer on Saturday, June 3. It will be the first and only Arctic Cat All Star visits to Lernerville Speedway and Mercer Raceway Park in 2017.

"I think rescheduling the weekend is the best case scenario for all involved," explained Eric Williams, promoter of Mercer Raceway Park. "It's not in our best interest to fight the weather. It was best for both tracks to move the entire weekend and hope for more seasonable conditions. This will also give our fans an opportunity to make other plans this weekend, while arranging plans to attend our All Star show next month."

"We hate to have weather interfere with our schedule," said Don Grabey, Arctic Cat All Star Series Director. "Unfortunately, the upcoming weather front seems to be inevitable. We're all excited to have the opportunity to come back to Lernerville Speedway and Mercer Raceway Park in a few weeks."

This shuffle in the schedule will have some minor impacts to the upcoming events in early June. The June 3rd makeup date will host the Arctic Cat All Star Sprints, Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, and the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars as originally planned for May 6th. The Mid-Season Championship will be delayed one week to June 10th and the Twin State Auto Racing Club Night will be moved to June 17th.

Saturday Night Live! racing will resume on May 13 and May 20. May 20 is also Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Night.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

All Stars Sprints and More at Mercer Raceway Park on May 6

(Mercer, PA May 2, 2017): Mercer Raceway Park will be ready for its biggest event of the 2017 season, the annual visit of Tony Stewart's All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars. On Saturday, May 6, the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint contingent must bring their A game to defend their home turf.

The Arctic Cat All Stars are coming off a three-race swing through Central Pennsylvania, where local talents dominated the action. So, the touring professionals will be looking for some redemption. They will get two cracks at the Western Pennsylvania racers, as the fun will start Friday at Lernerville Speedway before moving to the tricky Mercer oval.

Leading the way will be defending All Stars champion, Chad Kemenah, and he has a pair of Calebs--Helms and Armstrong--nipping on his heels. Ryan Smith, Tim Shaffer, and Dale Blaney will add depth to the roster. Crossing over to the All Stars side will be four names familiar to the Mercer fans. Brent and Brandon Matus, Brandon Spithaler, and John Garvin are among the bountiful crop of rookies on the All Stars tour. They would like nothing more than to score the victory on their former home track, even if it will be for the "visiting team."

Jack Sodeman, Jr., the defending track champion and current points leader, will do his best to keep the gold and the glory for the Mercer faithful. Jimmy Seger and Michale Bauer, both graduates from the ranks of the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints, will lend their assistance, along with George Hobaugh, Jr., Dan Kuriger, and Dan Shetler. Shetler just finished in the top five in an All Stars event in the midstate, so you know he can contend at the Park. Expected to return is A.J. Flick, winner of the opening race at Mercer. Flick hurt a motor racing at anothe area speedway, so he plans to spend more time on the shorter tracks of the region in the weeks ahead.

Two other divisions will be in action. In the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, Jimmy Holden will be gunning for his fourth consecutive feature win. Lonny Riggs, Frank Guidace, J.R. McGinley, and Kyle Fink will challenge. And Andy Priest and Darin Gallagher will square off once again in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints. Priest has the edge in feature wins, two to one, but they are tied atop the points standings. Gregg McCandless, C.J. Jones, Mike Marano, II, and Mike Miller are others who will be in the mix.The gates will open at 4 p.m., and practice will start at 6:30, followed by qualifications for the All Stars. So, come out early to get your favorite seats.

There is plenty of free parking and camping space (no hookups) will be available.

Special event ticket pricing will apply. Adult admission will be $25, seniors (60+) $23, and students (9-15) $9. The children (8 and under) will be free! The Family Pass will be offered for $52, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $35.

Saturday Night Live! racing will resume on May 13 and 20, with the latter being Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Night as well.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

(Mercer, PA April 26, 2017): This Saturday, April 29, the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars will get their final tune-up before the invasion of the touring professionals of the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions. The All Stars will make their only appearance the following week, May 5.

Jack Sodeman, Jr., of North Jackson, OH, scored his first win of the 2017 season and immediately installed himself at the top of the point standings. That is a familiar place for him, as Sodeman is the defending track champion. Jimmy Seger, the co-champion in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars, is in second spot, and he will be a top challenger, along with George Hobaugh, Jr., with whom he split the driving duties in the Lockhart 58. Dan Kuriger, Michael Bauer, Dan Shetler, and Gary Kreiss, Jr., also turned in creditable performances last weekend.

Joining the 410 Sprints will be the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, the Bonnell Rod Shop 305 Sprints, the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, and the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. Making their first start of the 2017 racing season will be the Young Gun Junior Sprints.

Jimmy Holden, of Tiona, PA, is riding a three-race winning streak in the 358 Modified division. While he has all of the checkered flags in his collection, the competition has been tough. Lonny Riggs has been close, and Frankie Guidace is back on the track. Sid Unverzagt, Jr. had his machine ready after suffering a blown engine and a fire a couple of weeks ago. J.R. McGinley, Kevin Green, and many more racers will make this an interesting contest, for sure.

Andy Priest leads the 305 Sprints with a pair of wins, but he is tied atop the point standings by Daring Gallagher, a one-time winner. Gregg McCandless has been consistent, and he could pull off a win some time soon. Young Jeremy Kornbau is searching for that elusive first win. Veterans like Mike Marano, II, Mike Miller, and C.J. Jones add to the competitive spirit.

Kurt Eckstrom got his first career victory in the Modified Lites last week, and he will be among the favorites. And, in the Mini Stocks, Tyler Fulton, the defending champ, topped a banner field of 24 cars!

The fun will start at 6:30 p.m, with hot laps and qualifications. Heat races will immediately follow. Gates will open at 4 p.m., so the racers can get their cars ready and the fans can select their favorite seats.

The regular event pricing will apply. So, adults will be admitted of just $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. The younger set (8 and under) will be free, as always. The Family Pass will be only $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be $30.

As mentioned above, the All Stars will be in on May 5. Another Sprint Car special will take place Memorial Day weekend, when the B.O.S.S. Sprints will race without wings! Mark your calendars for these outstanding events.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Sodeman Sails to Victory;Holden, Priest, Fulton, and Eckstrom also Win

(Mercer, PA April 22, 2017): Jack Sodeman, Jr. began the defense of his track championship successfully, as he led wire to wire in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars.

Jimmy Holden chalked up his third triumph in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds. Andy Priest won the non-stop feature for the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars. Tyler Fulton held off a fast-closing Pat Hanlon in the Mini Stocks presented by Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking. Kurt Eckstrom tallied his first career victory at Mercer Raceway Park in the Rock Concrete Modified Lites.

The Sodeman family has a proud legacy at Mercer Raceway Park. "My dad's first race was at Mercer," Sodeman, Jr. "It was supposed to be mine, too, but it rained out, so I got started over at Knox (at Sportsman's Speedway)." Both generations have won more than their fair share of races at Mercer's tricky oval.

Sodeman dedicated the victory to a young fan, Megan Hise. "She's been my fan forever," he said. "She was so little, I don't think she could even say my name when she started coming to the races." Megan was the first to greet him after the post-race interview, and it was hard to determine whose smile was widest.

Jack Sodeman, Jr. was positioned perfectly to score the first win in points racing for the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints. He started outside row one, next to Dan Kuriger. When the green flag was displayed, Sodeman dashed off to the first turn, and was never headed. Kuriger held second for a couple of laps before Jimmy Seger took over the chase.

Sodeman's lead exceeded a full straightaway when the only caution slowed the pace. It was on lap ten. Seger was on Sodeman's rear nerf bar on the restart, but that was as close as he would get for the rest of the race.

Sodeman had a lead of over 2.5 seconds when the checkers flew. Seger was second, followed by George Hobaugh, Jr., Kuriger, and Michael Bauer. Gary Kreiss, Jr. was sixth, with Dan Shetler, Ralph Engel, Jr., Gale Ruth, Jr., and Davey Jones completing the top ten.

The top qualifier was Sodeman, at 13.763 seconds. Seger and Hobaugh scored the preliminaries. There was no B Main.

Jimmy Holden, the defending Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modified champion, made it a clean sweep, setting the fastest time, and winning the heats and feature. It was the first time this season that the feat was accomplished.

"Maybe we need to change the rule, bring back the handicap rule. What do you think about that," Holden asked the fans. "I need to thank the kid who drew the pill," he said. "It may be different if we had Lonny Riggs on the front row," he added.

Holden jumped out front at the start of the feature, but he was pressed early on by J.R. McGinley. McGinley was showing Holden his nose as they entered the first and third corners, but Holden was able to keep his momentum up on the high side and pulled ahead of McGinley coming off turns two and four.

There was a single caution, on lap 14, for a spin by Kevin Green. That put McGinley on the outside for the restart, but he could not capitalize on the opportunity. Indeed, Kyle Fink and Lonny Riggs were hounding McGinley when the race resumed. The three put on a tremendous display of close quarters driving for a few laps after the race resumed.

At the finish, it was Holden, McGinley, Fink, and Riggs. Guidace was fifth. Jason Sines, Jerry Bowser, Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Green, and Ryan Riffe completed the top ten. Rich Whitney was unable to start the feature.

The evening's fastest qualifier was Frank Guidace, at 16.678 seconds. The heat winners were Holden and McGinley. There was no B Main.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars, Andy Priest outdistanced Jeremy Kornbau in the race that took just over five minutes and twenty-three seconds to complets. Priest, who turned his first laps at Mercer Raceway Park in 1985, thanked car owners Ted and Cal Hull. "They keep putting me in cars, so I will keep driving them," he said with a laugh.

Kornbau fought off last week's winner, Darin Gallagher, for the second spot. Behind them came Gregg McCandless, C.J. Jones, Mike Marano, II, and Joe Sylvester. George Frederick was eighth. Mike Miller was unable to take the green.

Andy Priest was quickest in quaifications. McCandless and Gallagher topped their respective heats.

Defending divisional champion, Tyler Fulton, grabbed the early lead in the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. While he was never headed, Pat Hanlon was quicker in the second half of the contest. But, Fulton's lead was so substantial that Hanlon could not get closer than a couple of car lengths away.

Tim Callahan clawed his way to third, with Rck Feely and Shane Shook completing the top five. Bill Fuchs was sixth, despite making an excursion into the infield on the front stretch. Logan Keney, Steve Longwell, Sr., James Tasker, and Steve Walker rounded out the top ten.

There were three heats for the 24 Mini Stocks. Victories went to Feely, Shook, and Longwell. There was no B Main.

Like Holden in the 358 Modifieds, Kurt Eckstrom scored a hat trick this night in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites. He led the entire distance, too. Bobby Springer was second, Jason Johnston third, and Dusty Frantz fourth. Shane Webb was scored in fifth.

The Modified Lites had one heat, won by the evening's fastest qualifier, Kurt Eckstrom. His best lap was 19.167 seconds.

Next week, the Saturday Night Live! program will be augmented by the addition of the Young Gun Junior Sprints. The six-division event will start at 6:30. Coming up on May 6 will be the Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars. That will be a must see race!

Saturday Night Live! Racing up Next at Mercer Raceway ParkPoints Battles in All Divisions

(Mercer, PA April 20, 2017): Saturday night, April 22, Mercer Raceway Park will hold the first full points event for all five of its racing divisions. "We got a sneak preview of the championship battles last week, when the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds and the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints got their first points races in as support for the ULMS Late Models," said track owner Bill Altman. "Jimmy Holden and Darin Gallagher staked themselves out to an early advantage, with their respective victories, and I can't wait to see who will jump out ahead in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints, Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, and Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks," he added.

A.J. Flick got his first career victory in the 410 Sprints, but that was a non-point event held on a Sunday due to inclement weather. The Kittanning Comet, Rod George, was second that night, and he showed no signs of any rust. George returned to the racing wars after a brief sabbatical. Flick and George will have to contend with multi-time champion Jack Sodeman, who is expected to make his first appearance of the season. Michael Bauer, a former 305 Sprint kingpin, was very quick before getting caught up in a late race wreck, so he will be looking for some vindication. George Hobaugh, Jr., and many more stars will be on hand.

Holden is two for two so far in the early going, and the question on everybody's mind is whether he can extend his winning streak against those 358 Modifieds. Lonny Riggs and Frankie Guidace were very competitive, too. Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Rich Whitney, and Kevin Green will also be in the field. Expected back are a number of drivers who opted to race against the BRP Modified Tour, so watch for Kyle Fink, J.R. McGinley, and Kevin Hoffman to rejoin the ranks. It should be exciting with all of those talented competitors back at Mercer Raceway Park.

Darin Gallagher dominated the 305 Sprint race, but watch for Andy Priest to challenge again. Priest finished second last week despite a broken rocker arm in his mount. Ace mechanic Ted Hull will have that repaired for this week's show. Will Flemming, a newcomer to Mercer Raceway Park had a strong showing, leading the feature before slipping back to fourth spot.

The Modfifed Lites will be back, too, and fans will wonder whether favorite Alan Dellinger will be on hand. If so, he will have to fend off Doug Jones, Mark Marcucci, Vivian Jones, and many others.

Tyler Fulton, Shane Shook, Tim Callahan, and a flock of Mini Stock pilots will go to the post for their first points contest of 2017. A banner field is expected, as Mercer Raceway Park will be one of the few venues where this class can compete on a weekly basis.

The fun and excitement will start at 6:30, with hot laps and qualifications. Heat races will follow immediately thereafter. Gates will open at 4 p.m., of course.

The regular event ticket pricing will apply for this program. So adults can enjoy all of the fun for just $13. Seniors (60+) will be admitted for $11, and students (ages 9-15) for $5. Children (8 and under) will be free of charge, as always. The Family Pass will be offered for $28, and that will apply to two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be $30.

If you cannot make it to the track this weekend, the same program will be offered on April 298, with one exception. The Junior Sprints will make their first appearance of the season! Coming soon, on May 6, the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions will make their lone appearance at the Park.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

(Mercer, PA April 13, 2017): The United Late Model Series (ULMS) will open its 2017 season at the Mercer Raceway Park this Saturday, April 15. "Our fans really enjoy the Super Late Models, and we hope that those who are accustomed to seeing these cars and stars at other area tracks will take advantage of the opportunity to experience this special event," said track owner Bill Altman. He explained that the race date was selected based on the later starting dates at other tracks featuring this class. "We expect a field loaded with top regional talents becasue there are no scheduling conflicts," added ULMS President Chris Zuver. "We are looking forward to this race to showcase our racers," he commented.

Max Blair, who cut his teeth racing Crate Late Models at the Park, was one of the most successful racers in Western PA in 2016, and he is expected to do battle with his arch rival, Mike Pegher, Jr., who once dominated the Stock Car class at the Park before graduating to the Crate Late Model and Super Late Model ranks. Add in Russell King, and you can bet that there will be plenty of action.

"Those three fellows really mixed it up when the Crate Late Models raced in the Chiller Thriller a couple of weeks ago, and it should be even more exciting with the added horsepower they will be packing for this event," Altman said.

Joining the ULMS Late Models will be the Open Stocks, the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, and the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints. Rusty Martz grabbed the Open Stock win in the Chiller Thriller, his first at the Park in several years, and he is expected back for another heapin' helpin' of the purse put up for this special event. Jimmy Holden will be gunning for his second win with the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, as will Andy Priest in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprints. Remeber that this weekend's race will be the first points races for those classes!

The gates will open at 4 p.m., with racing starting at 6:30. Come out early to pick your favorite seats for this must see event.

The ticket prices will be as follows: adults $15, seniors (60+) $13, and students (9-15) $7. The younger fans, that is, children ages 8 and under, will be free as always. The Family Pass will be just $35, and that will enable two adults and up to four minors of any age to see the ULMS in the only appearance at Mercer Raceway Park for 2017. The Pit Passes will also be $35.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Flick First Ever at Mercer Raceway ParkHolden, Priest, Dellinger, and Callahan also Score

(Mercer, PA April 9, 2017): A.J. Flick took advantage of the Sunday raindate to chalk up his first career feature win and first ever opening night win in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars at Mercer Raceway Park. Racing was delayed a day to allow for the track and grounds to dry out from the heavy rains and light snow that fell Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Jimmy Holden romped to the win in the turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds. For the defending track champion, it was career win number 30. Andy Priest claimed the victory in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars. Alan Dellinger took his first Rock Concrete Supply Modifed Lite victory at Mercer Raceway Park, after scoring in several other divisions in his storied career. Tim Callahan took the nightcap for the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks.

A.J. Flick was happy to get the monkey off his back at Mercer Raceway Park. "It was a long time coming, the way we've run here in the past. But, we had the perfect car set up tonight. This track is such a different surface, and such a different configuration than what we're used to." Flick gave credit to his crew, saying that recent travels have led to better communications. "It's only the beginning of April, and I've had them on the ropes already, we've been to all kinds of races all over PA so far, and I think it's sharpening up their game. They know what I'm feeling in the car." Although his car was clearly superior, Flick expressed some doubt about whether he could have held off Michael Bauer. "I don't know if we would have had enough to hold off Michael Bauer," Flick said. "He was coming, and I don't know what happened to him down there." Flick was referring to a lap 19 incident in turn one that eliminated his primary threat for the win.

Flick was also glad to see his friend, Rod George, score a second. "God bless Rod and his family," Flick said in reference to the recent passing of Rod's father. "I'm so happy he ended up with a second place finish. This was his first night in that car. That dude's going to be around for the entire season and he's going to be fast no matter what speedway he goes to, especially here at Mercer. This is one of the places he made himself what he is."

It took three tries to get the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Car feature started. A.J. Flick had the lead on the first, but polesitter Rod George had the advantage the second time. When it ultimately counted, the duo came to the starting cone in turn four side by side and it was not until the exit from turn two that Flick got his nose ahead of the multi-time track champion. From that point on, there was no looking back for the third generation racer from Apollo, PA.

Michael Bauer had a fast machine too, but lady luck was not on his side this night. Bauer took third on the opening lap, and moved into second following a restart on lap five. Bauer was chasing Flick, but not making much headway, when the second caution was displayed for Jimmy Norris sitting crosswise in the groove in turn two. Bauer was slow to react, and clipped the nose of the disabled car. Bauer was the worse for wear, shearing off the right rear tire in the process.

Rod George was restored to second spot for the final restart of the race. Flick quickly opened up a three car length advantage, and continued to stretch it out until the checkers flew six laps later.Veteran Gary Kreiss made a successful return to the speedway, earning the third position. Jason Dolick was fourth, after holding down the third position for most of the contest. Jimmy Seger was on the charge in the final six rounds, cracking the top five with just a lap or two remaining.

Twenty Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars signed in for the evening's action. Michael Bauer was the fastest on the night, turning in a lap of 14.285 seconds in qualifications, Bauer went on to win his heat, joined by Jimmy Morris and Jason Dolick. There was no B Main.

Jimmy Holden of Tiona, PA blasted from third to first on the opening lap of the 358 Modified feature, presented by Turn 4 Toilets. Richard Whitney held down the second position until J.R. McGinley came to life following the only stoppage on lap two ofthe race.

McGinley closed on Holden a couple of times in the first half of the twenty lapper, but Holden was patient and maintained his advantage. As the claps clicked away, Holden's car got better and better on the outside, and he was able to separate himself from McGinley.

Kyle Fink ran third most of the distance, and was caught behind some lapped cars in the final stages of the race. Lonny Riggs was fourth, with Frank Guidace returning to the speedway for fifth position. Kyle Holden was the final car on the lead lap, keeping his cousin at bay as they raced toward the checkers. Sid Unverzagt, Jr. had some misfortune on the final lap, with his car catching fire as he headed toward turn three. Unverzagt, who was not hurt in the blaze, spun and was unable to cross the finish line, but was scored in seventh based on laps completed. Rich Whitney was eighth, Kevin Green ninth, and Josh Deems in tenth.

Lonny Riggs topped the speed charts in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, with a time of 17.469 seconds. He was victorious in the first heat race, with Kyle Fink winning the other preliminary. There was no B Main for the fifteen car field.

Andy Priest was the class of the field in the Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars. The veteran from New Castle, PA led wire to wire, finishing nearly two and a half seconds ahead of former Modified Lite champion Darin Gallagher. C.J. Jones finised third, ahead of invader Seth Schneider and Gregg McCandless. Jeremy Kornbau, Brad Klecker, Nevan O'Donnell, and Mike Marano, II completed the top nine.

The fastest of the ten Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars was Andy Priest, who went on to take the first heat race. Joining him in victory lane was Josh Schneider. There was no B Main.

Alan Dellinger, who has won in just about every class imaginable at Mercer Raceway Park, won a close one over former champion Mark Marcucci in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites. They were chasing Doug Jones, last year's champion, until Jones broke while leading. Dellinger and Marcucci put on a thrilling contest thereafter. Following them across the line were Aaron Meister, Tyler Winger, and Cole Petrelle. Kurt Eckstrom, Chris Logan, Shane Webb, Bobby Siegel, and Dusty Frantz completed the top ten.

Mark Marcucci set the quick time for the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites and he backed it up with a triumph in the first heat race. Alan Dellinger was the other heat winner. The seventeen car field did not require a B Main.

In the finale for the Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks, Tim Callahan and Tyler Fulton fought to the finish, with Callahan edging out the defending champion. Rick Feely, Isaac Paden, and Bill Fuchs were the others in the top five. Justin Bailey, Jamie Tasker, John McCracken, William Haylett, and Karlee Longwell rounded out the top ten.

Bill Fuchs and Tim Callahan were the winners in the heats. The Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking division did not require a B Main, as there were 18 cars on hand.

Next weekend, Mercer Raceway Park will host the ULMS Late Models for their only appearance of the season. Also on the card will be the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, the Bonnell's Rod Shops 305 Sprint Cars, and the Open Stocks. Points will be awarded for the 358 Modifieds and 305 Sprints.

Races Postponed to Sunday at Mercer Raceway Park;No Points to be Awarded, But Special Prizes will be Offered

(Mercer, PA. April 6, 2017) The management of Mercer Raceway Park has decided to postpone Saturday's race until Sunday, April 9, due to the amount of rain and snow expected on top of the already saturated conditions. Saturday's weather forecast looks dry and sunny, however, low temperatures will hinder efforts to dry the sufficiently to permit racing on Saturday. "In an effort to get the season underway for our dedicated fans, drivers, and great marketing partners, we are going to run the complete program on Sunday with an earlier starting time," said track owner Bill Altman.

Gates will open at 3:00, drivers meeting (open to anyone with a pit pass) at 4:30 with hot laps/time trials starting at 5:00. "We will start earlier with our goal being to conclude the events by 9 p.m." Altman added. "We greatly appreciate everyone's support in making this a success and we look forward to capitalizing on a beautiful spring day for some great racing."

Due to the late announcement of this decision, the track points will be deferred. The points battles will start on April 15th for the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds and Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars. The remaining classes will kick off their points chase the following week, April 22, when Saturday Night Live! racing will resume.

This will be a fun afternoon of racing with some extra incentives on the line for all of the competitors. The hard charger in each of the feature events will receive a $25 Big Daddy's Speed Shop gift certificate. Big Daddy's Speed Shop will be the primary track side sales dealer on hand for the 2017 season. Precise Racing Products, which supports the 410 Sprint Cars, has thrown a $20 gift certificate into the mix as an added bonus to fastest qualifier in each division. Dan Holtgraver, owner of West View Motors in Pittsburgh, has added $50 to the feature winner of the 410 Sprint Car feature. Alternative Power Sources, Inc., of Gibsonia, PA, will pay $100 to the 410 Sprint Car team that travels the furthest for this Sunday's event.

Furthermore, to help bring some new talent into the 358 Modified division, the speedway will welcome all "602 crate legal" Modifieds to the party. Shaffer Family Racing, along with divisional sponsor, Turn 4 Toilets, will offer a $100 bonus to the highest finishing car with a "crate legal" engine in the feature event.

Building on the success of the 305 Sprint Car division, the speedway has restructured the 2017 purse to help attract more competitors. For this weekend the 305 Sprint Car division is open to all sealed engine packages as well. For compliance, racers should bring a copy of their "home track" rules.

Admission for the Sunday program will be just $13 for adults, $11 for seniors (60+), and $5 for students (ages 9-15). The youngsters (ages 8 and under) will be free, as always at Mercer Raceway Park. The economical Family Pass will be only $28, and that is good for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Saturday Night Live! Racing Returns April 1 at Mercer Raceway Park

(Mercer, PA March 31, 2017): With two special events in the books, the attention at Mercer Raceway Park will turn to the first Saturday Night Live! program of the 2017 racing season. While no championship points will be on the line in the opener, the action will be fast and furious, as all competitors in the five racing classes will try to establish themselves as the ones to be watched throughout the balance of the campaign. "There is nothing like getting an early season win to build your confidence," said Eric Williams, a former track champion and the newest member of the management team at the Park.

Leading the way on April 1 will be Jack Sodeman, Jr., the current kingpin on the local 410 Sprint Car circuit. Sodeman will be gunning for his third consecutive championship with the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints. He will have plenty of competition from the likes of Michael Bauer, Dennis Wagner, and many more.

Some of the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals 358 Modified drivers were in action last weekend for the Chiller Thriller BRP Modified Tour race, and none performed better than popular J.R. McGinley, who copped a top five feature finish. Lonnie Riggs was ready to give it a go, but he was collected in an early incident, so he will be looking for improvement. And, don't forget multi-time champion Jimmy Holden! He is expected to return this weekend.

The Bonnell's Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars will see their first action of the year this Saturday. Defending champion Jimmy Seger has moved on to 410 Sprints for 2017, so Andy Priest will be the odds on favorite in this division.

The Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites will also get their first track time in 2017. Doug Jones will lead the way, but watch for new cars in the division, as there were several unfamilioar faces at the practice session held last weekend.

Can Tyler Fulton regain control of the Mini Stocks, presented by Ray's Racing Collectibles abd Eperthener's Auto Wrecking Big things are expected for these racers, as an influx of new equipment from another area speedway should make for highly competitve programs.

No foolin', the gates will open Saturday, April 1, at 4 p.m., with a 6:30 starting time. Practice sessions and time trials will commence at about 6 p.m.

The regular event ticket pricing will be in effect. So, adults will be admitted for $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available for $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.

If you cannot make it to the track this weekend for the opener, the same program will be offered on April 8, with one exception. The point chase will begin! Coming soon, on April 15, the ULMS Late Models will make their only visit to Mercer Raceway Park.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

King Conquers Mod Tour at Mercer; Watson, Pegher, and Martz also Score

(Mercer, PA March 25, 2017): Rex King, Jr. dominated the 35 lap Chiller Thriller for the BRP Modified Tour at Mercer Raceway Park. It was the second year in a row that he claimed the first win at the Park.

Also taking his second victory in the opening event was Joel Watson in the UEMS Modifieds. Mike Pegher, Jr. and Max Blair fought to the finish in the Crate Late Model race, bringing back fond memories of their younger days when they were arch rivals at the Park. Rusty Martz was back in command in the Open Stock Cars.

For King, Jr. everything came together. "We had a good starting spot, the first half of the field took right off. I've raced here enough over the years, that I knew what I had to do." He explained that he had to be cautious working past the lapped cars. "I was trying to keep it clean in traffic. This is a tight place, you never know what can happen." In conclusion, he gave props to his crew, led by his brother, Russell, who was competing this night in the Crate Late Model division. "I haven't touched the cars all winter. I've been too busy making babies and working, and trying to grow the business," he said with a laugh.

Tyler Willard and Brad Rapp held the front row starting positions, with Rex King, Jr. and Randy Chrysler behind them. At the drop of the green, the leaders were side by side as they entered turn one, Slowly, Rapp began to edge ahead of Willard as they raced down the back stretch. His lead was short lived, however, as a caution in turn three for a multi-car crash stopped the action. Some heavy hitters were involved, including multi-time series champion, Rex King, Sr., former track champion, Lonnie Riggs, Mat Williamson, Mike Bowman, and defending series champion, Erick Rudolph. Only Bowman was eliminated from further competition.

On the restart, Rapp pulled away from the pack, but King Jr. was on the move into the second spot.

On lap three, King dove low into the third turn, and he powered into the lead. Cooter held control the rest of the way, despite two interruptions that wiped out his comfortable margin.

With King deftly negotiating lapped traffic, the battle was on for the second position. Rapp held it until lap 10, when Randy Chrysler came off the inside of turn four to take the position away. Rapp continued to dog the popular New Yorker the rest of teh way, but he could not regain the spot.

Behind them, J.R. McGinley and Garrett Krummert were getting after one another for the fourth spot. Meanwhile, Rex King, Sr. and Erick Rudolph were working their way to the front, coming back from that early shunt in turn three. In the waning laps of the race, Rudolph slipped ahead of both Krummert and McGinley to snare the fourth spot.

At the checkers, it was King Jr. by two seconds over Chrysler. Rapp, Rudolph, and McGinley rounded out the top five. McGinley was the highest finishing Mercer Raceway Park regular. Krummert, King Sr., Rick Regalski, Lonnie Riggs, and Tyler Willard completed the top ten.

The heat race winners were Tom Glenn, Rudolph, and Riggs. There was no B Main, as all 27 cars were allowed to take the green.

Joel Watson jumped out to the early lead in the UEMS 25 lapper. Josh Ferry held the second spot, with David Scott, Carl McKinney, and Shawn Shingledecker in tow. Several laps into the contest, McKinney slipped out over the edge while racing down the back stretch, losing a couple of positions. He battled back, tough, as the race progressed.

In the second half of the race, Scott moved into second and he started to close in on the leader. Watson had enough of a lead, and Scot did not have enough time to run him down.Watson took the checkers, with Scott, Ferry, McKinney, and Troy Johnson in the top five. The next five finishers were Dan Davies, Al Brewer, Ken Zimmer, Michael McGee, and Shawn Shingledecker.

The pair of heat wins went to Ferry and Scott. There was no B Main.

The Crate Late Model race was a thriller. Early on Mike Pegher, Jr. fought with Andy Boozel. Later, Pegher and Max Blair battled back and forth. Pegher held the low line, but Blair showed his nose several times. Blair was never able to get by, however.

On lap 14, immediately after a restart, Blair had his chance. He powered around Pegher coming off turn two to grab the lead, but a caution was displayed, giving the lead back to Pegher. Pegher was up for the challenge on the second try to complete that lap, and he was never headed.

Blair positioned himself for a last lap outside charge. However, he slid high in turn two, giving the second spot to Russell King. King tried a similar maneuver in turns three and four, and he, too, slid above the cushion, returning Blair to second.

Pegher captured the win, with Blair and King close behind. Matt Latta and Chad Wright took positions four and five. Sixth went to John Watters. T.J. Downs, Andy Boozel, Tony White, and Jeff Walters were next across the line.

The heat victories belonged to Boozel and Pegher. There was no B Main.

Rusty Martz was back in victory lane after nearly a three year struggle sorting out a new car. Martz had to contend with Brent Johnson for teh first half of teh race. After a restart, however, Johnson drifted back. That enabled Bruce Hartzfeld to contend for teh second position. Hartzfeld did gain the advantage briefly, but Johnso rallied in the closing laps.

Martz, Johnson, and Hartzfeld led Pat Fielding and Troy Norman to the finish. Perennial contender Chris Schneider retired three laps from the finish, but was scored in sixth anyway. Richard Chess, Gary Miller, and Charlie McMillen were also pitside at the conclusion of the race.

(Mercer, PA March 21, 2017): Mercer Raceway Park is proud to announce the divisional sponsors for the 2017 racing season. "We truly appreciate the support that all of our sponsors provide," said track owner Bill Altman. "But, our divisional sponsors deserve a big round of applause because they make tremendous contributions that allow for us to provide the quality racing experiences for our competitors and our race fans. We hope that everybody can utilize the products and services of our marketing partners, and, when they do, please tell them that you heard about them at Mercer Raceway Park."

Precise Racing Products has stepped up its sponsorship of Mercer Raceway Park for 2017. For several seasons, the speed shop located in Sarver, PA presented the Stock Cars. That class was dropped from the weekly slate and, now, the Stock Cars will compete only in selected special events, with this week's Chiller Thriller being one of them. But, Precise Racing Products remained loyal to Mercer Raceway Park, and it has now taken on the sponsorship of the track's headline division, the 410 Sprint Cars! Weather permitting, Jack Sodeman, Jr. will start the quest on April 1 to be the first ever Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Car Champion.

Another change in the roster of sponsors will be the new benefactor of the track's 358 Modified program. Turn Four Toilets will now assume that role. Turn Four Toilets is owned and operated by another generation of the Schaffer family, and it is only fitting that the new venture will throw its support behind the division. Relatives Jeff Schaffer Sr. and Jr. are regulars in the class, and they will be on hand this Saturday to challenge for the win and the bragging rights that would go along with a triumph over the BRP Big Block Modifieds in the Chiller Thriller!

Bonnell's Rod Shop, of Fairview, PA, is back again as a sponsor of the 305 Sprint Cars. "Scott does so much for Mercer Raceway Park that it is hard to explain all of the ways that he helps promote the sport that he loved," Altman noted. Bonnell was a leading driver in the 410 and 360 Sprint Car ranks before suffering career-ending injuries while racing at another venue. "Such an experience may have soured some others, but Scott still brings his passion to the sport," Altman acknowledged. The 305 Sprints will debut on April 1.

Faithful friends of Mercer Raceway Park Ray Baselj and Ron Eperthener combine forces once again to present the Mini Stocks. Ray's Racing Collectibles and Eperthener's Auto Wrecking, both of nearby Grove City, are back as the title sponsors of this popular and entertaining class. "So many young racers get their start in the Mini Stocks," Altman said, "and it is great having these former racers supporting the effort." The Mini Stocks will be part of the fun March 26, going in the Snow Flake 25, which is the biggest and most prestigious race of the season for these cars.

Last but not least, Rock Concrete Supply, located in Monaca, PA, also returns as the sponsor of the Modified Lite division. Company owner Richard Lawson has raced in the class at the Park, and he currently fields a racer for his grandson, former division champion, Shane Pfeuffer. Watch for Shane to challenge for the win when the Modified Lites take to the track for the first time on April 1.

Remember that racing will start this Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. The Chiller Thriller on March 25 will feature the BRP Modified Tour against the track's Turn Four Toilets 358 Modifieds, along with support from the Crate Late Models, Stock Cars, and UEMS Modifieds. The Snow Flake 25 and Jack Frost Enduro will run the next day, March 26.

Gates will open for the Chiller Thriller at 4:00 for the Pits and for the spectators. Ticket prices will be as follows for this special event: adults $17, seniors (60+) $15, and students (ages 9-15) $7. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available at $35, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minor children of any age. Pit Passes will also be $35.

For the Jack Frost and Snow Flake 25, on Sunday, pit gates will open at 11 and racing will commence at noon, with an open practice session. The practice session will be available for all cars in any class. The Snow Flake 25 for Mini Stocks will take to the track at about 2:30, with the Jack Frost to follow. The Sunday program will have the following prices applied: adults $13, seniors (60+) $11, and students (ages 9-15) $5. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available at $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minor children of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.

There will be no two-day ticket packages offered.

If the weekend should fall to inclement weather, the same programs and formats will be repeated on April 1 and 2.

Also, remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

(Mercer, PA March 20, 2017): The extended forecast for Mercer Raceway Park calls for warmer temperatures, so that means things will heat up on the racetrack for the first time in the 2017 season!

On Saturday, March 25, the BRP Modified Tour will invade for the first of two appearances. The Chiller Thriller will pit the ground-pounding Big Block Mods against their cousins, the 358 Modifieds that thrill the Mercer faithful during Saturday Night Live! racing programs. Then, Sunday, March 26, the track will present the Jack Frost Enduro and Snow Flake 25.

The Modified Tour will bring in the region's top name drivers, like multi-time champion Rex King, Sr., and his son, Cooter, or Rex Jr., as he is formally known. Defending series champion Erick Rudolph is expected to tow down from his western New York home. Dave Murdick, Kevin Bolland, Mark Frankhouser, and many more will be on hand.

Representing the track's 358 Mods will be fan favorites like Jimmy Holden, Lonnie Riggs, and Kyle Fink. Jeff Schaffer, Jr. and his dad, Jeff Sr., are expected, along with Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Kevin Green, J.R. McGinley, and Kevin Hoffman! Some of those racers have Big Blocks at their disposal, too, so a big question will be what powerplant will be sitting between the frame rails when they check in!

Joining the Modifieds will be the an unsanctioned race for the Crate Late Models, Open Stocks, and the UEMS e-Mods!

Gates will open for the Chiller Thriller at 4:00 for the Pits and for the spectators.

Ticket prices will be as follows for this special event: adults $17, seniors (60+) $15, and students (ages 9-15) $7. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available at $35, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minor children of any age. Pit Passes will also be $35.

For the Jack Frost and Snow Flake 25, on Sunday, pit gates will open at 11 and racing will commence at noon, with an open practice session. The practice session will be available for all cars in any class. The Snow Flake 25 for Mini Stocks will take to the track at about 2:30, with the Jack Frost to follow.

The Sunday program will have the following prices applied: adults $13, seniors (60+) $11, and students (ages 9-15) $5. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available at $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minor children of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.

There will be no two-day ticket packages offered.

If the weekend should fall to inclement weather, the same programs and formats will be repeated on April 1 and 2.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

(Mercer, PA March 16, 2017): Due to the recent snowfall and the forecast of more wintery weather for the weekend, Mercer Raceway Park must postpone the racing activities set for this Saturday, March 18. As a result, some schedule changes have been made. Weather permitting, the 2017 opener will be the Chiller Thriller for the BRP Modified Tour and the track's 358 Modifieds. That will be held Saturday, March 25, Then the speedway will be back in action on Sunday, March 26, with the Jack Frost Enduro, Snowflake 25, and an open practice session. If that weekend should fail due to adverse weather conditions, the events will be pushed back a week to April 1 and 2, respectively.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Jack Frost Enduro Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park

(Mercer, PA March 12, 2017): Weather permitting, Mercer Raceway Park will begin the 2017 racing season with the annual Jack Frost Enduro and Snow Flake 25 on Saturday, March 18. The fun will start at noon with an open practice session for all classes. At 3 p.m., the Mini Stocks will take to the track for their biggest event of the year. The enduro will follow immediately thereafter.

The Pit gates will open at 11 a.m. Pit passes will be $30.

Spectator admission will follow at noon. The ticket prices will be as follows: adults $13, seniors (60+) $11, and students (9-15) $5. Children (and under) will be free, as always. The popular Family Pass will also be available for $25, which will apply to two adults and up to four minors of any age.

Last-minute entries are still being received for the enduro. Competitors may enter by contacting the track office, at 724-662-1310. Registrations will also be available at the Pit ate.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Car Show Coming Soon!(Mercer, PA February 5, 2017): It won't be long for fans to see the cars that will compete at Mercer Raceway Park and other area speedpaths. Shenango Valley Mall will partner up with the Park to host the annual car show on March 2-5.

The show will be open to all classes of race cars. But it is anticipated that most of the cars on display will come from the divisions that compete weekly at Mercer Raceway Park: The 410 and 305 Sprints, 358 Modifieds, Modified Lites, and Mini Stocks. Other classes that will see action on the tricky oval will be the Late Models, e-Mods, Stock Cars, Micros, and Junior Sprints. Karts can also participate in the show.

Racers who wish to display their cars need to contact the Track Manager, Frank Benic, to make arrangements. He can be reached at 724-662-1310 or 724-699-1260. There is no fee to register a car for the show.

The cars will be move into the mall on Wednesday, March 1. They will be on display through Sunday, March 5.

The cars will hit the speedway for the first time on Saturday, March 18. There will be an open practice session for all classes, followed by the Snowflake 25, the biggest event on the Mini Stock docket, and the Jack Frost Enduro. The Chiller Thriller will be held on March 25, again being round one of the classic clash between the BRP Modified Tour Big Blocks and the track's own 358 Modifieds.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

There are still opportunities to become a marketing partner of Mercer Raceway Park for the 2017 season. Please call the track office at 724-662-1310 for further information.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Mercer Raceway Park Celebrates 2016 Season and Awards Championships(Mercer, PA January 30, 2017): Over 230 members of the racing family from Mercer Raceway Park gathered Saturday night at the Normandy Banquet Hall of the Hickory V.F.W. to celebrate the 2015 season and to honor the track's biggest achievers. Taking the top honors were seven divisional champions. In addition, two special awards were conferred on second generation racers.

Jack Sodeman, Jr., from North Jackson, OH celebrated his third track championship in the 410 Sprint Car division that was presented by 4 Your Car Connection. Sodeman now occupies second place all by himself in that category, trailing only the legendary Ralph Quarterson. Brandon Matus, Michael Bauer, and A.J. Flick were second, third, and fourth, respectively. Finishing fifth in the final tally was The Martha Dionise car driven by Scott Priester, with some assistance from Arnie Kent after Priester sustained season-ending injuries at another area speedway.

Martha Dionise received a stranding ovation from the crowd in tribute to her ownership of a 410 Sprint for 45 seasons. Dionise announced her retirement from the sport just before the final point contest of the year.

The Bonnell's Tod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors had the closest finish, with the outcome being decided on the final night of racing. George Hobaugh, Jr. and Jimmy Seger teamed up in the Lockhart 58 machine to edge out Andy Priest by only nine counters. Mike Marano, II, Gregg McCandless and Mike Miller completed the top five. Darin Gallagher, Eric L. Williams, Greg Doborsky, George Englert, and the Rod Jones/Justin Peck team received awards.

In the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, William Hurrelbrink was a model of consistency in 2016, earning his first title. Ryan Moyer was gracious in passing the top spot to his rival. Curt Bish, Pat Fielding, and Russ Byler made for a competitive season. Shawn Smith, Andy Thompson, Steve Allison, Terry Wheeler, and Dan Fedorchak were other top runners in the class.

Tyler Fulton reigned in the Mini Stocks, which were under the twin banners of Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Isaac Paden, Shane Shook, Tim Callahan, and Jacob Rice were top five pilots as well. William Haylett, Karlee Longwell, Ed Haylett, Summer Pitts, and Josh Rathbun had positions six through ten nailed down.

The first Elder Junior Sprint title belonged to a third member of the Jones family, Roman Jones. He was chased to the line by Jordan Simmons, Ayden Cipriano, Sam Darby, and Chase Metheney. Austin Cavanaugh, Maddie Bova, Alivia Bish, Jaren Dye, Peyton Bova, an Ty Lance completed the top ten.

Vivian Jones was heralded as the most improved driver, and William Haylett was touted as the rookie of the year. These teens vowed to be back in action at the Park throughout the 2017 season.

Management presented the tentative 2017 schedule, which promises to be chock full of excitement and variety. The season will kick off on March 18, with a practice session, followed by the Snowflake 25 for the Mini Stocks and the Jack Frost Enduro 100. The Chiller Thriller will be up next on March 25, featuring the BRP Modified Tour in the first of two grudge matches with the track's 358 Modifieds. The return match will be the August 12 Smackdown! Other special events will be the ULMS Late Models on April 15; The All Star Circuit of Champions Sprints on May 6; the B.O.S.S. Sprints without wings on May 27; the Patriot Sprint Tour for 360 Sprints on July 1; the Putzy Kekich Memorial on August 5; and the FAST Summer Shootout for 410s and 305s on August 19. The Little Guy Nationals will have a Preview in July, and the finale in Late September or early October. Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to change.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

Marketing partners for the 2017 season at Mercer Raceway Park are still being signed up. Interested parties can contact the track office at 724-662-1310 for details.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Five Champions Win at Mercer: Sodeman, Holden, Seger, Hurrelbrink and Jones;Marcucci and Callahan also Score Victories; Jones and Fulton Also Get Point Titles

(Mercer, PA August 27, 2016): Jack Sodeman, Jr. won the final feature for the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Cars and, with it came his third track championship, and second one in a row. Last week, Sodeman said that he was going to go for the win and that he would let the points take care of themselves. Well, the points did just that, as Sodeman claimed the title simply by pulling his pill upon arrival at the speedway, as the show-up points were enough to put him over the top.

Yet, Sodeman was not satisfied with backing into the title. "That's what you've got to do anytime, whether you're in the points or not, you've got to go to every race and then try to win every race and do the best that you absolutely can."

Sodeman also gave credit to his crew for a reliable mount each and every race. "We didn't have a DNF here all year, and we only had one at Lernerville the whole year,, so that speaks volumes." Sodeman also won the title there.

The 4 Your Car Connection Sprint Car feature began with a tribute to long-time car owner Martha Dionise. Her car was making its final start at Mercer Raceway Park, and she was given a ride in the pace truck so that she could waive to the fans. Plus, her car, driven by Arnie Kent, was allowed to pace the field. Kent pulled along side the pace truck once or twice to waive back to his car owner.

Sodeman jumped out to the early lead from his pole starting position, with Brandon Matus racing in second. Michael Bauer, A.J. Flick, and George Hobaugh, Jr. were dicing for positions.

The race went non-stop, with Sodeman having an advantage of almost six seconds over Matus. Flick moved ahead of Bauer to claim third. Dan Kuriger moved ahead in the latter laps to get the fifth position.

Hobaugh was sixth, with Arnie Kent getting seventh in the final ride for the Martha Dionise 15 at the Park. Joe McEwen, Alex Paden, and Dennis Wagner completed the top ten.

Bauer and Brent Matus prevailed in their respective preliminaries.

Jimmy Holden held serve in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, taking the win and sealing yet another track championship in the process. "We got a lot of good starting spots and capitalized on them with good race cars," Holden said.

He started on the pole and led the entire distance, but he had Lonny Riggs lurking in his shadows the entire time. "Well, Lonny Riggs raised the bar. He really did. You know Lonny came through the last two weeks and he put sone string runs up." Riggs did try to apply some pressure to Holden in the final few laps, but Holden was not going to be denied.

Jimmy Seger's controversial victory in the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors was enough to put him nine markers ahead of Andy Priest for the track championship. Seger and Priest were fighting hard for the lead. With seven laps completed Priest got a big run on the outside of turns three and four. Seger's car drifted high, but Priest would not give way. The two cars made contact, with Priest getting pinched into the concrete wall and turning over at the exit to turn four. The incident destroyed Priests's hopes of a track title.

Seger was put to the rear of the field for his role in the altercation. "You know, I was a little bit upset about the penalty." Seger explained what happened. "I was on the brakes and on the gas trying to get away from him." Seger denied complicity. I talked to him in the pits, I've never had anybody say I wrecked them. I don't wreck people."

He wasted little time moving forward again. He cracked the top five on lap nine, just two laps after the penalty. He took third on lap 11 and second on lap 12. Meanwhile, Mike Miller was rolling along in the lead. When Seger took second, he was nearly a full straight behind the leader.

The question on everybody's mind was whether Miller could get to the finish line first. With the laps counting down, Seger was chopping away at the lead. As Miller completed lap 17, he had to hear Seger's car closing in rapidly. The two raced side by side, with Miller being the popular choice among the Mercer faithful.

But, Seger rode the rim around turns three and four, as he did in his charge from the rear, and he powered off the fourth turn to lead lap 18. Seger pulled away by a couple of car lengths, scoring the win. "I lucked out on it," Seger said. "The leader made a mistake and I was there to beat him on it." Miller was second, with Gregg McCandless third. Greg Dobrosky and George Englert completed the top five. Positions six through ten went to Jeremy Kornbau, C.J. Jones, Eric L. Williams, Mike Marano, II, and Priest.

The heat winners were Priest and Marano.

William Hurrelbrink put an exclamation mark on an outstanding season at Mercer Raceway Park in the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks. Hurrelbrink won both the feature even an his first track championship. "It was a great season for us; we were not expecting this, bit it worked out," Hurrelbrink said. He was planning to make a run with a touring series his season, but some family obligations took precedence, and he had to change his racing plans to stay closer to home, he explained.

Hurrelbrink earned the pole for the feature event by being the points leader entering the final night of championship racing. He seized the lead at the drop of the green and he withstood a couple of early cautions that put the second place man, Ryan Moyer, on his flank. But Moyer could not take advantage on the opportunities. In fact, on the second restart, he slid too wide coming through turns one and two, and he surrendered three positions.

Andy Thompson climbed up to second, followed by Curt Bish, Moyer, and Pat Fielding. Bobby Heim raced in sixth almost the whole way. Dan Fedrochak, Charlie Baptiste, and Steve Allison were the final cars running. David Snider was awarded tenth based on his laps completed.

The pair of heats went to Fielding and Byler.

Mark Marcucci won the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lite feature event, but second was more than enough for Doug Jones to earn the track championship. Keith Smith came home in third. Glenn Teeters and Jason Dye were next. Levi Spinneweber, Kurt Eckstrom, Jason Johnson, Dusty Frantz, and Bill Stivason rounded out the top ten. The heat winners were Vivian Jones and Smith.

In the Mini Stock feature, presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles, Tim Callahan took the lead on lap two and he went the rest of the way to claim the win. Point champion Tyler Fulton led one lap on his trek to second. Isaac Paden took third on lap 8 and kept it. Fourth went to Jacob Rice and fifth to Michael Thompson. Ed Haylett, Justin Bailey, Nick Steiger, Karlee Longwell, and Darrell Lawson, Jr. completed the top ten. Heat winners were Ed Haylett and Paden.

Roman Jones clinched the track championship for the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints with the victory. Sammy Darby, who led the second and sixth laps before giving control to Jones, crossed in second. Maddie Bova had her best finish, a third, ahead of Chase Metheney and Austin Cavanaugh. Ayden Cipriano was sixth. Early leader Jordan Simmons retired early, but was given seventh based on laps completed. Simmons was the heat winner.

Remember, that there will be no racing on the oval for the next tree weekends. Racing will resume on September 24 and 24, with the 17th running of the Little Guys Nationals. However, the trucks and tractors will be pulling in the Final Fall Nationals on September 17.

Championship Runs on Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park(Mercer, PA August 25, 2016): The table is set for Championship Night at Mercer Raceway Park. This Saturday, August 27, racers will compete for double points in the final night of regular season competition and, after the final checkered flag waives, there will be seven proud racers ready to claim their rightful spots at the head table for the annual awards banquet coming up in January. But, Saturday is not just about the racing. It will also be the second Meet Your Heroes Night, presented by Herr's snacks, so the fans will get to mingle with their favorites to give them plenty of encouragement and to thank them for jobs well done.

On Championship Night, the racers in the top eight or nine positions (the exact number depends on the number of entries) in the point standings competing this night can lock themselves into a preferred starting spot for the feature event by getting a top finish in their respective heat races. If one of them should miss the cut, another driver gets the preferred starting spot. And, importantly, that would also open up a preferred spot for another racer. So, for example, Jack Sodeman, Jr. could earn the pole position for the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Car feature if he happens to do well in his heat race. But, if he were to drop out and finish last, he would forfeit that starting spot and another racer, most likely Brandon Matus, would take it. That would open up position number eight or nine for another driver.

These preferred starting positions could make or break a driver's chances to win the points championship. Because the points for the night depend on the driver's finishing position at the end of the feature event, it is to his or her advantage to start as close to the front of the field as possible.

Sodeman is one of the racers who will not be overly concerned whether he makes the cut or not. He has a 182 point lead over the younger Matus. In fact, Sodeman can clinch his third championship at the Park by showing up and pulling a pill for the night's action. That is because he has a 182 point lead over Matus. The most points that Brandon Matus can earn Saturday will be 270. Sodeman will get 112 just by pulling into the pit area. The 158 point differential will not be enough for Matus to pass him in the standings.

But, other positions in the 4 Your Car Connection championship standings will still be up for grabs and anything could happen. Matus leads Michael Bauer by only 44 markers. So, a good night for Bauer and a bad one for Matus could see a change take place. Arnie Kent, who will likely be substituting for the injured Scott Priester, could also move the Martha Dionise car ahead in the rankings with some luck. A.J. Flick is another driver who could move ahead with a good showing.

And positions six through ten could also change significantly. Alex Paden currently holds the sixth spot, but divisional rookie John Garvin is only three points behind, and veteran Brent Matus is only seven points shy of sixth. Davey Jones may not be able to vault ahead of them, but he must watch over his shoulder because Brandon Spithaler is within easy reach. Even a couple of drivers currently outside the top ten, Dennis Wagner and Gale Ruth, Sr., could move into one of the top ten positions.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Andy Priest will need to perform well to ensure his title. He leads Jimmy Seger by only 65 points going into the event. Mike Marano, II will likely salt away the third position, but Gregg McCandless, Darin Gallagher, Mike Miller, Rod Jones, Cody Bova, and Eric L. Williams could shuffle around depending on how they fare. Greg Dobrosky will probably hold onto his tenth place spot in the standings.

Three drivers still have a mathematical shot at being the champion in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Jimmy Holden has the edge, but Lonny Riggs trails by 68 points and Kyle Fink by 70. These guys have been at the head of the list all season long, so it is no surprise that the championship will go to one of them. Jeff Schaffer, Jr., Sid Unverzagt, Jr., and Tommy Kristyak will wrestle for positions four through six. Kevin Green and Kyle Holden are pretty secure in positions seven and eight. Five others have a chance to get the other positions in the top ten, including Frank Guidace, Rich Whitney, Jeff Schaffer, Sr., Jason Sines, and Ryan Kemery.

William Hurrelbrink is another racer who has little to worry about on Saturday. Like Sodeman in the 410 Sprints, Hurrelbrink can lock up the title for the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks when he arrives at the track. His 171 point margin over 2015 champion Ryan Moyer will hold up. Shawn Smith is also likely to keep his third place ranking. Curt Bish, Pat Fielding, and recent winner Russ Byler could move around in the standings depending on where they finish the final points race. Terry Wheeler has seventh locked up, but Andy Thompson, Leigh Wheeler, Steve Allison, and Richard Chess could take the next three positions.

In the Rock Concrete Modified Lites, Doug Jones is in the catbird seat, but it is not a foregone conclusion that he will get the title. Shane Webb and Mark Marcucci could in theory pass him, but it is possible that Jones could lock it up with a strong run in his heat race. Vivian Jones has fourth, but Jason Johnson and Jacob Bova are both within a twelve point range.

Tyler Fulton heads up the Mini Stock class, presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Isaac Paden is his closest rival. Shane Shook, William Haylett, and Tim Callahan are next, but Jacob Rice, Karlee Longwell, and Summer Pitts could crack the top five.

The closest point battle will be in the Elder Tractor Sales and Service Junior Sprints. Roman Jones will be gunning for the first championship ever in this division. His buddy, Jordan Simmons trails by 36 points. Ayden Cipriano and Sammy Darby should hold their spots. However, only three points separate Chase Metheney and Austin Cavanaugh for the fifth spot.

The pit gates will open at 3 and the spectator gates will open at 4. The first green flag will fly at 5:30 for the Modified Lites. The Mini Stocks and Junior Sprints will complete the three-star segment. Their cars will be on display at the conclusion of the matinee. The four-star divisions, that is both Sprint classes, the 358 Modifieds, and the Stocks, will take to the track around seven p.m. They will have their meet and greet during the evening intermission.

Regular event ticket pricing will apply. That is, $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $5 for students (9-15). Children (8 and under) will be free. The economical Family Pass will be just $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.

Remember that there will be no racing on the oval in September until the 17th Annual Little Guys Nationals, coming up on the 23rd and 24th. However, the pulling pit will be the focus of attention on September 17, when the Final Fall Nationals come in. Watch the website and media outlets for more information on that event!

Remember, too, that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

(Mercer, PA August 20, 2016): Jack Sodeman, Jr. won the non-stop feature event for the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints at Mercer Raceway Park, solidifying his points lead heading into Championship Night, which will award double points to all competitors. "You just run the same every race, try to win every race, and the points will take care of themselves," Sodeman Said about his quest for a third track championship. "We got a pretty good shot, we just need to be consistent, and not do anything pretty dumb."

Ohio's Alvin Roepke won the first Summer Shootout between the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors and the Fremont Attica Sprint Tour 305 Sprints. Some seventeen F.A.S.T. racers crossed the state line to race in Pennsylvania, sixteen of them made the feature event, and three of them swept the podium spots.

Jack Sodeman, Jr. made a spectacular move on the initial green flag for the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Cars, but the maneuver was nullified for a false start by the pole man, Bryan Sebetto. "I was definitely disappointed, the first start worked out really well for us, and I figured that they weren't going to let us get away with it again." Sodeman was right, as Sebetto learned the lesson and was in a position to impede Sodeman's dash to the front in the first two turns of the race. "I knew that he (Sebetto) would take the line," Sodeman observed.

As it was, Sodeman settled into third behind Sebetto and Alex Paden, but he did not stay there for very long. Sodeman took the second spot from Paden as they entered turn three on the first lap. Sebetto held down the lead until lap five, when Sodeman moved to the inside for the advantage.

After that, Sodeman had the car on cruise control for the remaining twenty laps of the contest. "I knew when I got to lapped traffic I could be a little patient, but not too patient because those guys would be coming." But Sodeman had no idea how big of a lead he had. Sebetto ran second the rest of the way, and was some 2.5 seconds behind the leader at the finish.

Michael Bauer got third, courtesy of a miscue by Brandon Matus in turns three and four with two laps to go. Matus got into the corner way too hot, and held on for dear life as the car got completely sideways on him. He kept the car going, and got it straightened out in turn four. On the final lap, he got into three a bit too hot again, but his slide around the top was not as dramatic. He got the car righted again, and completed the event without losing any other positions. Dan Kuriger came from mid-pack to grab fifth.

Veteran Alvin Roepke led wire to wire to capture the first ever grudge match between the F.A.S.T. 305 Sprints and the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Roepke was thrilled about his win. "I came here as a kid, years ago, and I watched Johnny Beaber, Gus Linder, Ralph Quarterson, and Ed Lynch, and what a thrill it is to win here," he said.

Roepke's dash was slowed by a caution on lap three, and the remaining laps were run off without any other incidents. Roepke was pretty humble about his dominance. "It was just a lucky guess on the setup."

He had a comfortable lead at the halfway mark, but second place runner Dan McCarron started cutting into the margin over the remaining laps. McCarron was .587 seconds behind at the end of the race. Paul Weaver completed the Ohio sweep of the top three spots.

Andy Priest was the highest finishing Mercer regular, in fourth. He had a bit of trouble early in the race, slipping back several spots due to a bobble in the second corner. He, too, was closing in on the leaders at the finish, but he needed more laps to challenge the three visitors ahead of him.

The three heats went to John Ivy, Weaver, and Priest. The B Main winner was Adam Kekich.

Lonny Riggs also went wire to wire for the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified victory, holding off points leader Jimmy Holden in a two-lap dash for the cash. Riggs was a bit concerned about his tire choice for the race. Riggs, who had the pole position, made the winning bet by setting up to run the inside, and it worked. "We went with a real soft tire on the left rear, and I was a little afraid that it wouldn't hold up. It was starting to give up a little bit, so I went in easy and came off hard."

Jeff Schaffer, Jr. earned a career best third, one spot ahead of his father, Jeff Sr. Richard Whitney had a top three finish slip through his fingertips, having both Schaffers pass him in the final laps.

Sid Unverzagt, Jr. led the next group to the checkers. Kevin Green, Kyle Holden, Ryan Kemery, and Jerry Bowser completed the top ten.

The preliminaries went to Jimmy Holden and Jeff Schaffer, Jr.

Russell Byler moved into the lead just before the halfway mark in the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks. "I learned a lot driving the Late Model, and it really helped getting back to this, I think that I got a little smoother, not as inconsistent," Byler explained. He got a late start to the 2016 season, waiting to sell off his Crate Late Model equipment, but, boy oh boy, he's been fast since making his first start of the season.

Byler, who scored the easy victory, announced his plans to race a Super Late Model in 2017. "We will be even more limited with a Stock Car schedule, but it will all depend on the Late Model car," he said. Then, he added with a laugh, "maybe they will run a few more Late Model races here next year."

Points leader William Hurrelbrink padded his advantage by taking a second place finish, several positions ahead of his closest adversary, defending champion, Ryan Moyer. Early leader Andy Thompson was third, with Shawn Smith and Pat Fielding getting fourth and fifth. Moyer was sixth, ahead of Curt Bish, Gary Fisher, Garrett Calvert, and Bill Best.

Heat winners were Hurrrelbrink and Smith.

In the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, Jacob Bova regained the lead after Mark Marcucci lost an engine while leading. Marcucci took the lead from Bova on lap five. Points leader Doug Jones took second with just two laps remaining in the contest, moving Jason Dye back to third. Fourth went to Jason Johnson and fifth to Shane Webb. Positions six through ten belonged to Vivian Jones, Dusty Frantz, Cody Cooper, Keith Smith, and Marcucci. The heat winners were Shane Pfeuffer and Doug Jones.

Tim Callahan led wire to wire in the Mini Stocks presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Alex Paden raced home in second, followed by the pole sitter Tyler Fulton. Alan Perry and Shane Shook completed the top five. Nick Steiger, William Haylett, Summar Pitts, Karlee Longwell, and Ed Haylett held positions six through ten. The heat victories went to Callahan and Paden.

In the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, Jordan Simmons got the jump on his friend, Roman Jones. Sammy Darby slipped ahead of Jones for second on lap five and held it to the finish. Jones was third. Madie Bova and Chase Metheney were next. Ayden Cipriano, Ty Lance, and Peyton Bova were next. Austin Cavanaugh did not start the event.

Next week, August 28, will be the final points race of the season, and it will count twice towards the season championship, so the racers will be fighting hard for every position! It will also be the second Meet Your Heroes Night, presented by Herr's, the official snack food of Mercer Raceway Park. There will be no racing on Labor Day weekend.

Outlaw Sprint Warriors vs. F.A.S.T. 305s at Mercer Raceway Park(Mercer, PA August 17, 2016): Sprint car fans are in for a special treat this Saturday, August 20, at Mercer Raceway Park. There will be head-to-head competition between the speedway's Bonnell's Rod Shops Outlaw Sprint Warriors and the Fremont Attica Sprint Tour 305s. It will be the first time that the F.A.S.T. racers will cross the Pennsylvania state line to race on the tricky oval. Will the Mercer regulars have a home court advantage? You'd better be there to witness this historic event!

A big field of cars is expected.

Andy Priest and Jimmy Seger will be among the local favorites, along with Mike Marano, II, Rod Jones, Gregg McCandless, Mike Miller, Darin Gallagher, Eric L. Williams, and Greg Dobrosky. Add in racers like Jacob Gomola, George Englert, Vincent Dougherty, and C.J. Jones, and the Mercer faithful will have plenty of talented drivers to root for.

Cody Bova, the 2015 champion at Mercer, has a foot in each camp. He has split his track time between Mercer Raceway Park and the F.A.S.T. circuit. So, if he goes to victory lane, which team will he pledge allegiance to?

And, what about the visiting squad? Paul Weaver currently leads the F.A.S.T. points lead, and he has some experience racing at the Park. He has scored several wins with the series so far, and he would like nothing better than to take the bacon home with him. Nate Dussel, Steve Rando, Dan McCarron, and Alvin Roepke fill out the top five in the F.A.S.T. standings. Other names familiar to Western PA fans include Bobby Clark and John Ivy, both of whom have raced in this area with some success. Will their prowess with 360 Sprints translate to the 305s? Also expected to race with the visitors is Landon LaLonde, who has made the journey to Mercer twice to get some valuable track time.

Also on the card will be those 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints. Jack Sodeman, Jr. has been on a hot streak lately, as he is gunning for his third point championship. A.J. Flick, Brandon and Brent Matus, Michael Bauer, and many more will be on hand.

Jimmy Holden and Kyle Fink are still battling for the points championship in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Lonny Riggs, Tommy Kristyak, and Sid Unverzagt, Jr. will also be in contention for the win.

William Hurrelbrink is on pace to clinch his first track championship in the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks, but don't count out defending champ Ryan Moyer just yet. Moyer, along with Shawn Smith, Curt Bish, Pat Fielding, Russ Byler, and Terry and Leigh Wheeler have all been remarkably fast, and any one of them could take Hurrelbrink down.

The two Sprint Car divisions will be racing in the evening segment of the program. Their racing will start at approximately 7 p.m.

Remember that the matinee will feature the Rock Concrete Modified Lites, Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles Mini Stocks, and the Elder Tractor Sales and Service Junior Sprints. They will get the green flag at 5:30 p.m. So, if you want to see these three star racers, come out early!

The pit gates will open at 3 p.m., and the spectator gates will open at 4 p.m.

Regular event ticket pricing will apply. Adult admission will be $13, seniors (60+) $11, and students (9-15) $5. Children (8 and under) will be admitted for free. The economical Family Pass will be just $28, and that will apply to two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.

The next week, August 27, will be Championship Night. Double points will be on the line and the champions will be crowned! All seven divisions will be in competition. In addition, it will be the second Meet Your Heroes Night, presented by Herr's, the official snack food of Mercer Raceway Park. Fans of all ages will get to mingle with their favorite drivers.

Remember, too, that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Weather Beats the Modifieds: Mercer Raceway Park's Smackdown! Falls to Wet Grounds and Thunderstorms(Mercer, PA August 13, 2016): August 13's Smackdown! has been canceled due to wet grounds at Mercer Raceway Park. In addition, severe thunderstorm activity is expected to hit the speedway later in the day. It has not yet been determined whether this show will be rescheduled. Please follow the website for any further announcements in that regard.

August 20 will be the Summer Shootout, pitting the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors against the F.A.S.T. 305 Sprints. Come see our best take on their counterparts from Fremont Speedway and Attica Raceway Park! It will be a battle for regional bragging rights. Gates will open at 3 for the racers and 4 for the fans. Racing will begin with the three star program at 5:30. Joining the Warriors and F.A.S.T Sprints at around 7 will be the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints, the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, and the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks.

Then on August 27, the speedway will crown its champions. All divisions will be in action contending for double points. Championship Night will also be the second of two Meet Your Heroes Nights, presented by Herr's, the official snack food of Mercer Raceway Park.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Bauer Gets Career First at Mercer Raceway Park; Holden, Seger, Hurrelbrink, Bova, Fulton, and Jones Also Take Checkers

(Mercer, PA July 23, 2016): Michael Bauer logged his first career 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Car victory at Mercer Raceway Park. For Bauer, who once dominated the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warrior class, the transition to the more powerful 410 Sprints was a slow and difficult process. But, after crashing the trusty Trevis Craft car that served him so well at the start of his career, Bauer acquired a GF-1 chassis and it was clear that the first win would be coming soon. "It feels great, it's been a while, but the team stuck with me we just kept grinding, and I'm speechless, I am so happy."

Dennis Wagner was ready to make history in the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Car feature. He started up front with his 360 powered sprint Car, and he held control for the first half of the race. Everybody was wondering if Wagner could pull off the upset. While he ran out front, Michael Bauer worked his way into second. Bauer challenged Wagner a couple of times in traffic, but he finally made the winning pass racing down the back stretch on lap 12.

Wagner continued to hold down second in the non-stop affair, but with just two laps remaining, the points leader, Jack Sodeman, Jr., passed Wagner and a lapped car coming down the front stretch.

At the checkers, it was Bauer by nearly 4.5 seconds over Sodeman. Bauer explained ho he was able to pull away so easily. "I felt real comfortable there in the lapped traffic. We were running the bottom but we passed a lapped car up high in one and two, and the car felt even better there, so we went to the top and found more speed up there."

Wagner held down third, a very creditable performance with his underpowered machine, with A.J. Flick and Brandon Matus next.

Andy McKisson raced through the field to get sixth, ahead of Scott Priester, Brent Matus, Gale Ruth, Jr., and Dan Shetler.

The heat winners were Sodeman and Flick.

Jimmy Holden make things look easy, and quite easy at that, in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. "We strayed from our set-up probably about three weeks or a month ago, and after that race, I said, 'you know what, put it back, put it back where it was, and the car has been good all year."

Holden led from start to finish. "We made a different tire choice, it (the car) wasn't very happy on the long runs before, we had real good speed out of the gates before but, you know, we changed the tires up a little bit and got it to run a little better a little longer."

The only thing that slowed Holden down was a major crash on the frontstretch as the racers completed lap one. Nobody was injured, butthe car of Jeff Schaffer, Jr. was done for the night.

When the race resumed, Holden was out front and never headed. He Lonny Riggs ran a distant second. Kyle Fink wrestled third away from Tommy Kristyak. Sid Unverzagt, Jr. turned in a steady performance nabbing fifth.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, it looked as though Cody Bova would be the talk of Mercertown. However, on a restart with just two laps remaining, Jimmy Seger dove to the inside of Bova and snatched the lead away. "I got that caution with two to go, that's what I needed, I needed to have an opportunity to bunch up with him. I knew that I could catch him, he was floating around the lapped cars up top." Seger, on the other hand, was good, if not better, on the bottom, and Bova left the lane open for him as they raced toward turn one.

Seger went on to earn his first victory at the Park in the Lockhart 58. "This is the first ti I've had to drive a race car and not do anything to it during the week." Seger, explained thatthe car is really easy to drive. "I will tell you this right now, a monkey could drive this car, it is a real good piece."

Bova led Andy Priest to the finish line. Greg Dobrosky was fourth, despite mixing things up with Priest under the caution. Mike Marano, II, was fifth. Positions six through ten went to Jacob Gomola, Darin Gallagher, Rod Jones, Mike Miller, and Kyle Colwell.

Seger was also the winner of the lone heat race.

In the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks, Andy Thompson jumped out to the lead, but, by the time that the field reached turn three on the opening lap, Russ Byler assumed command. Over the next few laps, points leader William Hurrelbrink worked his way into second. Thompson raced along in third, ahead of Bob Schwartzmiller and Leigh Wheeler. The race was halted on lap 15 when Curt Bish pulled off the track in turn two due to a small fire under the hood. It was extinguished without incident, and Bish was unhurt. Hurrelbrink surged ahead of Byler on the restart, and he survived two more on his way to the win. Behind Hurrelbrink and Byler came Thompson, Schwartzmiller by a nose, and Wheeler. Ryan Moyer clawed his way up to sixth. Terry Wheeler was seventh, then Dan Fedorchak, Charlie Baptiste, and Troy Norman. The pair of qualifiers went to Hurrelbrink and Thompson.

After missing a week of action for a family vactaion in Florida, Jacob Bova returned to the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites with determination. He swept his heat and the feature. Points leader Doug Jones was second. Shane Pfeuffer came home in third, with Kenny Meadows and Jason Johnson rounding out the top five. Shane Webb was sixth. Vivian Jones was seventh, with Dusty Frantz, Mark Marcucci, and Keith Smith next. Bova and Meadows were triumphant in the preliminaries.

Tyler Fulton passed the early leader, Tim Callahan, and went on to victory in the Mini Stocks presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. When Callahan's car faltered on the last lap, that gave second position to Shane Shook. Isaac Paden was third, followed by Tyler Young, and then Callahan. Karlee Longwell was sixth, ahead of Darrell Lawson, Jr., Summer Pitts, Ed Haylett, Josh Rathbun, and Kenny Lawson. The heat winners were Callahan and Paden.

In the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, Roman Jones continued his hot streak, winning both the heat and feature events. Ayden Cipriano ran second for the entire distance. Sammy Darby was third, a position he regained when Jordan Simmons retired from the event. Fourth was Austin Cavanaugh. Simmons was scored in fifth based on laps completed.

In the children's bicycle races, presented by Approved Toilet Rentals and Ray's Racing Collectibles, the winners were Tylor Thompson, Austin Wheeler, and Ricky Tucker in the 5-6 year old class, Carly Gabriel, Reagan Young, and Nathan Mabry in the 7-8 year old class, Connor Cook, Brayden Booher, and Gavin Grant in the 9 year old class, and Jared Marsh, Nicole Young, and Hunter Grant in the 10-12 year old class. All children were treated to free milk from Dean's Dairy, courtesy of the Mercer County Dairy Princess.

Next week will be a Saturday Night Live! racing program, however, there will be no 4 Your Car Connection Sprint Cars. Racing will start at 5:30.

Sodeman Celebrates Father's Birthday with Another Win;Holden, Priest, Byler, Marcucci, Fulton, and Jones also Prevail(Mercer, PA July 16, 2016): Jack Sodeman, Jr. gave his father a wonderful birthday present, winning again at Mercer Raceway Park and getting his second victory of the weekend. "To be able to double up on his birthday, that's pretty cool," Sodeman said. But perhaps even better was the substantial boostthat he got towards that track championship. On Mid-Season Championship Night double points were awarded, so when second place driver Brandon Matus retired early, Sodeman got the edge in the 4 Your Car Connection standings. Indeed, Matus' misfortune, coupled with a third place run, moved A.J. Flick into second in the rankings.

Sodeman had the pole for the 4 Your Car Connection main event. While he was able to open up a lead, Brandon Spithaler marched toward the front. Once Spithaler gained teh second position, he seemed to find a little more power in his mount. However, every time Spithaler made a charge on Sodeman, it seemed as though there was a lapped car in his way.

Spithaler was persistent, though, and when a lapped car took his line away in turn one, he dove to the inside. Spithaler did manage to get his nose out front momentarily, but Sodeman stayed on the cushion and pulled ahead. "I saw him, I figured he was actually going to try to give me a slide job and it was a little too slick there and that's when i definitely knew that he was close," Sodeman noted.Sodeman continued to lead, but Spithaler remained close all the way to the checkers. "I knew that I had to run those last couple of laps pretty hard after I I saw him." Sodeman explained, "I was just trying to hit my marks."

A.J. Flick inherited the third position when Brandon Matus lost power a few laps from the finish. Scott Priester applied the pressure to him over the final few rounds, but Flick had the better of it. Gale Ruth Jr. debuited a new car, and brought it home in fifth.

Jordan Ryan, John Garvin, Brent Matus, Davey Jones, and Alex Paden had the next five rungs covered.

Dennis Wagner had a top five run come to a disappointing end when he flipped his 360 Sprint in turn two. He was unhurt.

Jimmy Morris and Flick were the winners of the evenings heat races.

Jimmy Holden had a comfortable lead in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified feature wiped away when the only caution was displayed with just four laps remaining. That put Kyle Fink on his flank, but Holden had the advantage on the restart. "It was really a question of what line I wanted to pick there," Holden said. "I moved to the bottom while we were racing, but then, I thought the top might be good, too." Holden explained why he opted for the bottom. "It's all about the restart timing itself, you can get a little bit of a jump and what you can do is crowd the guy underneath of him and you pretty much own the line going into one and two."

Although Holden did exactly that, he still felt that Fink could have driven by. "If he had been a little further up, he could have sealed the deal." Nonetheless, Fink did make strong bids for the lead in turns one and two for each of the next two laps. But Holden had the short way around the track figured out this night.

Meanwhile, Lonny Riggs was lurking in the shadows of Holden and Fink. He saw the opportunity to dive to the inside of Fink in the last turn on the last lap, and he won the drag race to the finish line for second.

Points leader Andy Priest took maximum advantage of his pole starting spot, going wire to wire in the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Jimmy Seger was closing in on Priest with about seven laps to go, but Priest go to the lapped cars first, and he used them as a pick to gain some extra distance over his challenger. "I was trying to watch them when I was catching them," Priest said of the slower cars. His timing was perfect on each occasion.

Seger did run second until the final turn of the final lap, when he detonated a motor, He limped across the line in third. Beating him to the wire was Mike Marano, II. Gregg McCandless and Jacob Gomola followed Seger across the finish line.

Last week's winner, Greg Dobrosky, was sixth. Tyler Denochik made his first start of the season pay off with seventh. Darin Gallagher, Mike Miller, and George Englert completed the top ten.

The heat victories went to Seger and Priest.

Russ Byler raced to the win in the Precise Racing Products Open STock Car feature event. He methodically worked his way to the front, and then he passed Shawn Smith for the lead on lap 13. Three laps later, while running second, Smith took an excursion through the infield at turn four, That handed second over to William Hurrelbrink, who maintained it to the checkers. Smith did recover for third and Ryan Moyer held down the fourth spot. Jamie Sharba was fifth. Andy Thompson, Terry Young, Pat Fielding, Bobby Heim, and Curt Bish rounded out the top ten. Byler and Sharba took the preliminaries.

Mark Marcucci passed Doug Jones three laps into the contest for the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites. Brandon Shaw, Kurt Eckstrom, and Shane Pfeuffer battled to the wire for third through fifth. Shane Webb, Keith Smith, Kenny Meadows, Chris Robinson, and Jason Johnson completed the top ten. The heat winners were Marcucci and Pfeuffer.

Isaac Paden jumped out to the early lead in the Mini Stock feature presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. But, it was Tyler Fulton who surged ahead on lap four, and he took it the rest of the way for the win. The second place car was Darrell Lawson, with Shane Shook, Kenny Lawson, and Tim Callahan rounding out the top five. The next five finishers were Paden, Pete Blazak, David Siebert, Mark Akins, and Alan Perry. The heat winners were Fulton and Paden.

In the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, Roman Jones made a last lap pass on his pal, Jordan Simmons. Ayden Cipriano raced home in third, with Sammy Darby getting fourth. Chase Metheny was fifth and Austin Cavanaugh in sixth. Jones also doubled up with a heat win.

Next week will be a Saturday Night Live! racing program, with bicycle races for the children. The bicycle races are presented by Approved Toilet Rentals and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Remember, that all children must have their helmets.

Fink Flashes to 358 Modified Victory at Mercer Raceway Park;Dobrosky, Wheeler, Marcucci, Paden, and Jones also Prevail(Mercer, PA July 10, 2016): Kyle Fink, "the Strattanville Charger," showed why he earned and prefers that nickname, as he dominated the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified feature event at the Mercer Raceway Park. "It was nice starting up front," he said before confiding that he would rather have started third or fourth so he could see how the track was. But truth be told, as strong as his car was this night, he could have started anywhere in the field and the outcome would probably have been the same.

The luck of the draw put Fink on the pole with Jeff Schaffer, Jr. on his flank for the start of the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified feature. Veterans Kevin Green and Tommy Kristyak had the second row covered, with Frankie Guidace and Jimmy Holden in row three. That was how they raced for the fist several laps before Lonny Riggs began picking his way through the field. It was during this phase of the race that Fink's arch rival, Jimmy Holden, retired with an apparent motor problem.

While Fink bolted out to a huge lead in the non-stop affair, Schaffer continued to race in second until lap thirteen. That was when Kristyak snaked his way past some lapped cars and Schaffer to take the second spot. Unfortunately for Kristyak, the caution never brought Fink back to him.

Lonny Riggs also slipped past Schaffer with just a handful of laps remaining. Schaffer held on for a creditable fourth, with Guidace grabbing fifth. Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Kyle Holden, Green, and Jimmy Parenti, Jr. were the other finishers. Rich Whitney was placed in tenth based upon his laps completed.

The pair of heat races belonged to Fink and Riggs.

Greg Dobrosky also led start to finish in a non-stop race to earn his first career win at Mercer Raceway Park in the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. "We've had some opportunities a couple of times, but this was the first time we finished one off," said the happy victor. Dobrosky, who is well known for his colorful cars honoring famous racing machines like "Old Calhoun," and "Johnny Lightening," explained that this car, which resembles a creamsicle ice cream bar, is not patterned off any particular racer of the past. "Ed (Demmy, his car owner) wanted to do an orange car, so we just took some different paint schemes and ideas from some different cars and out it together."

"Big G," George Englert, that is, raced second the whole way, but he was unable to mount a serious challenge to the high-flying Dobrosky. Behind this duo, however, the competition was furious. Cody Bova worked into third and then he had to fend off last week's winner and current points leader, Andy Priest, for third. Jimmy Seger closed in on them getting fifth.

In the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks, there was only one caution, for debris, and that development turned out to be critical. Russ Byler powered pas Leigh Wheeler on the outside of turns one and two on the opening lap, and it appeared as though Byler would head to victory lane. But, on that one and only restart, he opted for the inside line and Wheeler returned the favor, taking the lead soon after the race went green.

Ryan Moyer and William Hurrelbrink battled for third, with the defending champion topping the current points leader. Pat Fielding ran a consistent race to get fifth. Shawn Smith led Jamie Sharba, Charlie McMillen, Terry Wheeler, and Curt Bish to the checkers.

Preliminaries went to Hurrelbrink and Wheeler.

Mark Marcucci snagged the lead away from Kenny Meadows on lap five of the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, and they maintained that running order the rest of the way to the checkers. Meanwhile, Doug Jones raced up to third. Jacob Bova was involved in Keith Smith's spectacular crash, but Bova rebounded to fourth. Kurt Eckstrom was fifth. Shane Webb, Jason Johnson, Joey Sisk, Josh Christopher, and Dusty Frantz rounded out the top ten. Smith, who was unhurt in his crash, prevailed in his heat race. Bova scored the other win.

Tim Callahan celebrated his retirement from the Pennsylvania State Police by leading the opening laps of the Mini Stock feature, presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. However, Isaac Paden drove by on lap three and he went on to the win. Pete Blazak made a successful return to Mercer Raceway Park to get second. Tyler Fulton came from last to get third. Rick Feeley, Gary Stanke, Denny Aikins, William Haylett, Karlee Longwell, Tyler Young, and Shane Shook were next in line. Aikins and Shook led their respective qualifiers.

Roman Jones broke Jordan Simmons' stranglehold on the Edler Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, taking both the heat and feature wins. Jones advanced to second on lap two and he chased his buddy, Simmons, until two laps were left in the contest. Jones swooped past, and went on to victory, while Simmons faltered and retired from action. Following Jones across the line were Ayden Cipriano, Austin Cavanaugh, and Maddie Bova. Simmons was credited for fifth. Alivia Bish was unable to start the feature.

The 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints will return as part of the Midseason Championships on July 16. That night will offer double points for all racers. It will be Meet Your Heroes Night, presented by Herr's Snack Foods. Because it will also be American Cancer Society Racing for a Cure Night, all cancer survivors will be admitted for free. Also gaining free admission will be all members in good standing of the Twin State Auto Racing Fan Club.

July 23 will be the rescheduled bicycle races for all children. This will be presented by Approved Toilet Rentals and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Please remember that all children must wear helmets to compete.

Sodeman Wins Again on Auto Racers for KidsNight;Drum, Preist, Holden, Heim, Paden, and Simmons also Stars

(Mercer, PA July 2, 2016): Jack Sodeman, Jr. rode the tribute car to an impressive $4,000 feature win on Auto Racers for Kids Night at Mercer Raceway Park. Sodeman, who once donated all of his winnings back to the children's charity after a winning drive, said "we're going to give something back to the charity, for sure, but they're not getting it all this time. We're not having that great of a year like we had that year."

While some may say that Sodeman benefited from a late race caution to set up his winning move on the restart, he did not see things that way. "Either way, we had things covered." Sodeman explained "my car was working pretty good in the inside of three and four, and the top wasn't working so good for him (Spithaler) any more." Spithaler confirmed that his car just got too loose as the race went on.Brandon Spithaler jumped out to the early lead in the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Car feature. Brandon Matus raced in second, with Sodeman, Adam Kekich, and Michael Bauer in tow. Spithaler rode the rim to a sbustantial lead, and Matus also put some distance between himself and the third place car of Sodeman.

As the race continued, Spithaler encountered heavy traffic. It did begin to slow his pace, but Matus could not capitalize upon that development. He retired from contest before he could challenge for the lead. Sodeman took up the effort, and as Spithaler struggled in traffic, Sodeman began to close rapidly.

On lap 20, when Sodeman was but a few carl lengths behind the leader, a caution was displayed for Dan Kuriger, who could not clear the turn four pit gate. That put Sodeman right on Spithaler's tail for the restart.

When the race resumed, Spithaler had a car length on Sodeman. That went away quickly, however, as Sodeman dove to the inside as they raced thriugh turns one and two. Sodeman powered off the second corner with the lead, as Spithaler slid up the track. He kept his foot on the pedal, and re-entered the track close to Sodeman. However, Sodeman had the better line now, and he was able to gain a couple of car lengths on Spithaler as they headed toward turn three.

Sodeman's car was working to perfection in the final laps, as Spithaler seemed to lose his grip. Sodeman sailed under the checkers to get the win, with Spithaler and Kekich trailing. Jared Zimbardi was fourth. Mark Smith, driving a car with a 360 powerplant, was fifth.

The heat winners were Brandon Matus, Kuriger, and Jimmy Morris. Matus' win against the other top qualifiers was good enough to earn the pole position. Zimbardi was the evening's fastest qualifier, with a lap of 14.118 seconds.

Kyle Drum led wire to wire in the Patriot Sprint Tour feature event despite several interruptions. Drum was challenged twice on restarts, once by Dennis Wagner and once by Jared Zimbardi, but he kept his momentum up on the cushion each time, and was able to pull away. Drum, whose year started with some hard luck, followed by several missed races, has found new life in a borrowed car. "To get this opportunity, two wins in two weeks, I couldn't be happier."

Finishing second was his brother-in-law and car owner, Zimbardi. "It's a one-two finish for us, it doesn't matter if I won, or if he did. It's all the same. Still, Zimbardi is looking to regain his winning form. After starting the year with five victories, he is in a bit of a dry spell.

Taking third was New Castle's own Dennis Wagner. "We've had mostly bad luck, this is just our fourth time out, so we're pretty happy."

Mitch Brown raced in the top five the entire way, and was fourth at the finish. Mark Smith had advanced from seventeenth to fifth, and was challenging Brown for several laps before retiring from the contest on lap 21. That gave the position over to Dr. Steve Collins.

Joe Trenca was sixth. Paulie Colagiovanni held off C.J. Jones for seventh. Davie Franek climbed from last to ninth. Franek was supposed to start on the pole, but a flat tire sent him to the pits for a fresh right rear tire, and he was forced to start the feature in last. Scott Kreutter was tenth.

Paul Habeck took a nasty tumble in the third turn during the feature. It was nearly the same spot where Scott Just flipped in his heat race. Neither driver was injured.

The heat wins went to Kreutter, Zimbardi, and Mitch Brown. The dash went to Jake Brown. There was no B Main.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Andy Preist found the outside groove to his liking. He drove by Darin Gallagher and Devin Litwiler in the first and second turns to take the lead. Once out front, Preist was able to pull away to a comfortable advantage. "Ever since we flipped a couple of weeks ago, we've struggled to get going on these slippery tracks, tonight I just threw some stuff that I thought would work, and it was pretty good." He added, "I could run wide open in one and two and to be able to do it this late in the night, it's pretty good."

Gallagher eventually worked past Litwiler, who held on for the third position. Mike Marano, II was fourth, and Jacob Gomola fifth. Last week's winner, Gregg McCandless, wound up in sixth. Greg Dobrosky hled on for seventh, despite a collapsed nose win on his machine. Eric L. Williams, George Hobaugh, Jr., and Harold Braden Jr., rounded out the top ten.

Gallagher and Gomola were the victors in the qualifying rounds.

Kyle Fink and J.R. McGinley paced the start of the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified feature event. Fink got the early advantage, as he was working the outside groove to perfection. However, he took the inside line for the lap nine restart, and that may have been his undoing. McGinley grabbed the lead, and Fink slid back in the running order.

Jimmy Holden was worried about his set-up at the start of the race, and as the laps clicked off, he got angry about it. "I was mad at my dad for the set-up he put on; I was mad at myself, frustrated; the wrong gear, the wrong tire, the wrong set-up; we changed everything' finally, I just got mad and put my right foot down, I didn't care what I had left for tires, I just had to prove a point, and what do you know, it got going."

Holden was able to chase down McGinley. A pair of cautions put them side by side for the last two restarts. On the first, McGinley was able to pull away from Holden, who was having trouble negotiating the outside of turns one and two. However, on the second try, Holden found some bite, and he powered around McGinley.

In the final rounds, Lonny Riggs moved into second, but he had neither the time nor the speed to catch Holden. Fink rebounded to get third. McGinley was fourth and Frank Guidace had fifth.Jeff Schaffer, Sr. took sixth, ahead of Garrett Krummert, Kevin Hoffman, Sid Unverzagt, Jr., and Paul Moyer completed the top ten.

Fink and Riggs were the heat winners.

Bobby Heim was the surprise winner of the Precise Racing Products Open Stock Car race. Heim was racing in third on the white flag lap, but the leaders, Ryan Moyer and Leigh Wheeler, tangled midway down the backstretch on the last lap. As their cars slid toward the infield, Heim saw the opportunity to slip by on the outside. Taking second was Curt Bish. Last week's winner, Shawn Smith, finished in third. William Hurrelbrink was fourth. Wheeler was fifth. Moyer, who seemed to have victory in hand, was placed in sixth due to a rough driving penalty for the last lap incident with Wheeler. Pat Fielding did not start the event. Wheeler was the heat winner.

Kenny Meadows regained the lead after Mark Marcucci tangled with a lapped car. Meadows led the rest of the way to victory in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites. Shane Pfeuffer passed Jacob Bova with two laps remaining to get second. Bova held off Doug Jones and Kurt Eckstrom. Marcucci came back through the field to earn sixth, ahead of Mike Flockerzi, Vivian Jones, Shane Webb, and Jason Johnson. The preliminaries belonged to Doug Jones and Mark Marcucci.

Isaac Paden swept into the lead on lap three of the Mini Stock finale presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Rick Feely took second with just two laps to go. Todd Hanlon crossed in third, but was disqualified for failing to go through post-race tech. That moved Tyler Fulton up a notch. Karleee Longwell and William Haylet was scored in fourth and fifth. Pete Blazak, Shane Shook, and Tyler Young completed the running order. Summer Pitts was unable to start the race. The heat winner was Isaac Paden.

Jordan Simmons snared his fourth consecutive feature win in the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints. Simmons fell back to fifth on the start, and then steadily moved forward. On lap seven he took the lead away from Roman Jones. Sammy Darby led the first two rounds. The finish was Simmons, Jones, Darby, Chase Matheney, Ayden Cipriano, Maddie Bova, and Austin Cavanaugh. Simmons doubled up with a heat win as well.

July 9 will be a Saturday Night Live! program, with the exception of no 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints. The 410 Sprints will be back on July 16, as part of the rescheduled Mid-Season Championships. This will be the first of two Meet Your Heroes Nights Presented by Herr's Snacks. It will also be the American Cancer Society Racing for a Cure Night and Twin State Fan Club Night.

(Mercer, PA June 25, 2016): Jack Sodeman, jr. carried the colors of his dad's famous Sprint Car into victory lane for the first time in 2016. The car may have a retro color scheme and graphics package, but it has all of the modern bells and whistles. Sodeman splits his time between his contemporary car and the throw-back machine, but he likes to bring the traditional one to Mercer, in particular. "Mercer is kind of its home, my dad actually made a pretty good career out of Mercer Raceway Park in the exact same car. It must be the theme that everybody likes," he said.

Jack Sodeman, Jr. took the lead at the drop of the green in the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints, and he methodically built his lead. Before the first caution was displayed, on lap 18, he had a half track lead over MIchael Bauer, who had wrestled second away from Jason Dolick. After that first caution, there were a number of other interruptions, including one final caution when Sodeman was a half lap away from victory.

"I was just hoping that they put enough fuel in the car," Sodeman said about the numerous cautions over the final seven laps. "As long as I hit my marks, I knew that I would be OK." Sodeman did have enough fuel to go the rest of the way.

"There were a lot of young guns behind us, but I liked the spot that we were in," Sodeman explained. One of those younger drivers was Michael Bauer, who scored his best finish in a 410 Sprinter, second. Carl Bowser was third, a position that he occupied for almost the entire 25 laps. Brandon Spithaler came on to get fourth, with Brandon Matus a close fifth.

After making an appearance on MRN's Winged Nation earlier in the week, A.J. Flick was sixth. Dan Kuriger was seventh. It is now officially summer, as Andy McKisson made his first run at the Park to get seventh. Invader Sean Zemunik was ninth, and Scott Priester in tenth.

There were three heats for the 22 cars on hand. The winners were Brandon Spithaler, Zemunik, and Bauer. There was no B Main, as all cars were allowed to start the feature race.

The luck of the draw put the top two point men on the front row for the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified feature event. Everybody was expecting a titanic struggle between Jimmy Holden, who had a slim one-point lead entering the night's action, and Kyle Fink, who has been remarkably consistent this season. Instead, what they saw was a dominant performance from Fink. "I wasn't expecting to beat Jimmy tonight, but we had quite a run," Fink said modestly.

Fink's run to the checkers was slowed on only one occasion, for a spin by Kevin Green in turn one after the first lap. From that point on, it was green to checkers for the Strattanville Charger. Lonny Riggs grabbed second on lap twelve, and he did start cutting into Fink's lead. "The top kinda went away, and I went to the bottom and it wasn't quite as good on the bottom as it was on the top. So, I was kinda hanging on for the last few laps." Still, Fink had more than enough in reserve to earn the win.

Riggs was second, a few car lengths behind Fink. Third went to Holden. Tommy Kristyak ran in the top five the whole way to claim fourth in the final tally. Frank Guidace was fifth. Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Jeff Schaffer, Jr., Jeff Schaffer, Sr., Eric Martin, and Kyle Holden completed the top ten.

The pair of heats went to Holden and Riggs.

Gregg McCandless drove a perfect race in the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, and he had to becasuse Darin Gallagher was nipping on his heels for the final seven laps. McCandless had a two second advantage evaporate over the second half of the non-stop twenty lapper. Gallagher did get his nose under McCandless once in turn one, but McCandless went back to the top shelf to maintain the lead. "I saw him, I was just moving around, just making sure that I wasn't missing anything,"moved my line a couple of times and all of a sudden I saw him and I went back to my line, and I don't know where he was at the end." In fact, McCandless did open a few car lengths over the final few laps.

For McCandless, it was his first win in any kind of Sprint Car, and he is showing no signs of rust despite being out of a racer for more than a decade.

After McCandless and Gallagher came two-time winner Andy Preist, Cody Bova, and Jimmy Seger, the new pilot of the potent Lockhart 58. SIxth belonged to Mike Miller. Mike Marano II, George Englert, and Eric L. Williams were the remaining finishers. Early retirees VincentDaugherty and Rod Jones were next. Harold Braden, Jr. was unable to start any of the races this night.

The heat wins went to Gallagher and McCandless.

Shawn Smith jumped out to the early lead and he withstood a lap seven restart to capture his first victory in the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks. Two-time winner William Hurrelbrink was second, but slowed greatly at the end of the event. Randy Weyant emerged from a three-car battle to get the third position. Ryan Moyer was fourth, and Bobby Heim fifth. Curt Bish held off Pat Fielding for sixth. David Snyder, Gary McGregor, and Brent Johnson were the balance of the top ten. Russ Byler was the first car out of the event. The heat winners wereWeyant and Johnson.

The Rock Concrete Modified Lites had a confusing finish, both on the track and in the pit area. Contact between a couple of the top runners led to a one-lap shoot out with a ragged start. Apparent winner Kenny Meadows was too light at the scales, so the win was conferred on Shane Pfeuffer. Vivian Jones had a career best second place finish. Kurt Eckstrom, Jason Johnson, and Bill Stivason rounded out the top five. Keith Smith, Doug Jones, Josh Christopher, Mark Marcucci, and Jacob Bova were the next five. The preliminaries went to Shane Webb and Marcucci.

Todd Hanlon regained his winning ways in the Mini Stocks presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. He took the lead away from Alan Perry, who continued on for second place. Taking third was Isaac Paden. Shane Shook and Jacob Rice had fourth and fifth at the finish. Summer PItts, Karleee Longwell, William Haylett, Ed Haylett, and Tyler Fulton completed the top ten. The heat winners were Hanlon and Perry.

In the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, Jordan Simmons raced to his third consecutive victory. Roman Jones, who led the the first four laps before giving way to Simmons. Chase Metheney ran third the entire distance. Sam Darby, Ayden Cipriano, Maddie Bova, and Austin Cavanaugh followed. Alivia Bish did not start the event. Simmons also won the heat race.

Remember that next week with be the Sprint Car spectacular for the Auto Racers for Kids charity. Joining the track's 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints and the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors will be the Patriot (360) Sprint Tour. All other classes will be on hand also. All proceeds will benefit children's charities in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Midseason Championships Rescheduled Due to Weather at Mercer Raceway Park(Mercer, PA June 11, 2016): With late afternoon and evening thunderstorms in the forecast, Mercer Raceway Park has cancelled the racing event to be held on June 11, 2016. The Midseason Championships presented by Herr's Snacks will now be held on July 16, along with the American Cancer Society "Racing for a Cure" Night. "With all of these cancellations, we are really put into a bind to fit the promotions into the schedule," said track owner Bill Altman. "Let's hope for good weather for next week's ULMS Late Model special."

It will be a fun-filled night of racing for just $15 for the adult fans. Senior admission, for those 60 and over, will be $13. Students (9-15) will be admitted for $7, while the younger set will be admitted for free. The Family Pass for this event will be $35, and that will apply to two parents and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be $30.

Gates will open at 3 for the racers, and at 4 for the fans. Racing will begin at 5:30 for the Mod Lites, Mini Stocks, and Junior Sprints. The remaining classes will roll onto the track at 7 p.m.

June 25 will be the popular Fireworks Night, with the extra excitement being provided courtesy of Pizza Joe's. The racing will be a Saturday Night Live! card.

July 2 will be a night that all fans of winged Sprint Cars will want to enjoy. That will be the Auto Racers for Kids Night, with the proceeds going to help children's charities in the northwestern PA area. There will be three, yes three, classes of Sprints in action, with the 360 Patriot Sprint Tour joining the track's regular 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints and the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. To the casual observer, these three types of Sprints may all look alike, but, under the hoods will be different sizes of powerplants. This will be a can't miss event!

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

Meet Your Heroes on Midseason Championship Night at Mercer Raceway Park(Mercer, PA June 8, 2016): Herr's Snacks will present Meet Your Heroes on Midseason Championship Night at Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday, June 11. "Because we have lost so many events to rain already this season, the Midseason Championship runs will take on added importance in the hunt for a track title," said track owner Bill Altman. He explained why. "The drivers will get double points for these races, so a strong finish will really help a driver, while a poor outing could hurt his or her chances." But, with all of that drama comes a little added fun. The fans will get the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite drivers in not one, but two autograph and photo sessions. "This is always one of our best nights at the track because the fans get to talk with the drivers. I don't know who enjoys it more, the fans or the drivers," Altman noted. "I know I do!"

Because all seven classes of cars will be in action Saturday night, Mercer Raceway Park will utilize its innovative two-tiered racing format. Three of the divisions will run at 5:30 p.m. Instead of starting with the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites will take to the track first for their heat races. After the Junior Sprints, the Mini Stocks will compete under the twin banners of Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. At the conclusion of their heats and features, these racers will bring their cars behind the grandstands to allow the fans to see the cars up close and personal. The racers will be there, too, to talk with the fans. Many of them will have picture cards, candy, or other items to give to the fans.

Then, at 7, the final four classes will start their program. The Precise Racing Products Open Stocks will kick things off, followed by the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, and the potent 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints. As in the past, the meet and greet for these divisions will come after the preliminaries and before the main events. That session will be held on the front stretch.

And, what about those races? Depending on the size of the field, the first eight or nine positions for the final runs will be lined up on the basis of the points accumulated so far. Thus, the driver with the most points could start on the pole position. To take advantage of this, the top runners must finish at the front of their respective heat races. If the racer does not make the cut, he or she will fall into line according to the finishing order from the qualifications.

The Pit gates will open at 3 p.m. and the spectator gates will open at 4. The racing will start at 5:30 for the first three groups, and, then, at 7, for the final four.

The regular ticket prices will apply. So, adults can attend for just $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. The children, who so much enjoy the meet and greets, will be admitted for free. The Family Passes will be honored for just $28, and that applies to two parents and up to four minors of any age. Pit passes will be $30.

Coming up on June 18 will be the only appearance of the ULMS Late Models at Mercer Raceway Park. The speedway will have its annual fireworks show on June 25, courtesy of Pizza Joe's. Then, on July 2 will be the popular charity event hosted by Auto Racers for Kids. This will be a unique program, as three, yes, three, classes of Sprints will be featured. This will be a must-see event for all fans who enjoy the open-wheeled cars!

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

Park, Cooper Clouse scored the win, his second of the season, in the Rick's Trucks & Equipment Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series. The seventeen-year-old from Ohio City, OH, topped former series champion Shawn Westerfield. Taking the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified go for the third time in as many tries was defending champion Jimmy "the Jet" Holden, of Tiona.

Cooper Clouse was a bit apprehensive about racing his B.O.S.S. Sprint Car at Mercer Raceway Park. He had thought that the track configuration was a bit unusual. But, after climbing from his car after his second tour win of the season, he said "it's unbelievable, I like it [the track] a whole lot better now." Clouse and his crew hit on a set-up that was perfect for the racy track. "We had the car hooked up for this; two races, and two wins, it's a dream come true."

Clouse wrestled the lead away from Chad Wilson just a couple of laps into the B.O.S.S. feature. He set the car on cruise control and maintained a consistent lead over Wilson despite a couple of cautions. The final half of the race went non-stop. Over that stretch, Westerfield passed Wilson for second, but he could not reel in Clouse.

Jack Sodeman, Jr. moved into fifth in the early going, but him took him several laps to advance beyond that point. Sodeman was the highest finishing Mercer regular, crossing the line in fourth.

Fifth went to Drew Radar. Gale Ruth, Jr., another Mercer regular, was sixth. Mike Miller, a former series champion, was seventh, with Michael Fischesser eighth. Popular veteran Arnie Kent, a former Mercer regular, was ninth. He has limited his racing to the B.O.S.S. series in recent years. Justin Owen was tenth.

The heats for the twenty-six non-wing cars went to Brandon Spithaler, Westerfield, and Sodeman. The B Main winner was Carmen Perigo, Jr.

Jimmy Holden scored his third straight victory in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. What is so remarkable about the accomplishment is that he did it with the exact same right rear tire, one that was left over from the 2015 season. "We had a garage full of tires, and we said, man, these tires looked pretty good, you know. We picked out one and it was a tire we ran last year, a real nice tire, you know, and we won the first two features on it. We called it 'Chicken Dinner;' "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.'" He continued the story, "we talked all week about maybe running it a third time, but everybody said, 'no, you never heard of Winner, Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.'" Holden confessed that the tire may be done, now, "it was giving up on me at the end."

Holden led the entire way in the non-stop affair. "I figured, if anybody would be close, it would be Lonny [Riggs]," and Holden was right on point. Riggs was second this time out. That snapped Kyle Fink's run of second-place finishes. He was third. Jeff Schaffer made his season's debut with a new car, and brought in across in fourth. J.R. McGinley nipped Tommy Kristyak for fifth on the last lap.After Kristyak came Eric Gabany, Jeff Shaffer, Jr., Sid Unverzagt, Jr., and Kevin Hoffman.Holden and Riggs were best in their respective heats. There was no B Main.

A pair of cautions and one red flag were minor interruptions for George Hobaugh, Jr., but he blew the right rear tire coming through the final turns on the last lap. C.J. Jones, who passed a Cody Bova for second only moments before Hobaugh's misfortune, was the benefactor. Bova, Andy Priest, and Mike Marano, II also managed to slip ahead of the disappointed Hobaugh. Hobaugh limped across the line in fifth. Mike Miller, Vincent Daugherty, and Eric L. Williams were the remaining finishers. Justin Peck and George Englert were credited with top ten finishes based upon laps completed. Englert was unhurt in his flip in turn four. The preliminaries went to Hobaugh and Jones.

Defending track champion, Ryan Moyer, scored the easy victory in the the non-stop feature for the Precise Racing Products Open Stock Cars. He broke the Orange Crush that had prevailed so far in 2016, Every race contested in this class was won by an orange car, that is, until Moyer cranked up his green machine. Shawn Smith raced his way into second, but he had no chance to catch the high-flying Moyer. William Hurrelbrink had the first orange car to cross the finish line, followed by Curt Bish, who led the early going with his orange car. Pat Fielding was fifth. Richard Chess and Garrett Calvert rounded out the field. Mike Hudzik was unable to start the feature. The heat winner was Hurrelbrink.

In the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, Jordan Simmons grabbed the lead just past the halfway mark, and he cruised to the victory, over Chase Metheny, who led laps two through six. Early leader Roman Jones took third. Fourth went to Ayden Cipriano. Maddie Bova was fifth. Sam Darby and Alivia Bish rounded out the field. Simmons also prevailed in the heat race.

In the Mini Stocks, presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles, Tyler Fulton overcame a severe overheating problem to score the win, ahead of Isaac Paden, and Shane Shook. Jacob Rice and Donny Akins comple3ted the top five. William Haylett was sixth, with Tim Callahan, Todd Hanlon, and Summer Pitts next in line. Ed Haylett was unable to start the feature. The heat was won by Callahan.

Next week, Mercer Raceway Park will have a Saturday Night Live! program. It will be Twin State Auto Racing Fan Club Night, with all members in good standing gaining free grandstand admission. The Midseason Championships will be held on June 11, and it will also be a Herr's Snack Foods Meet Your Heroes night.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

May 21 Racing Cancelled at Mercer Raceway Park; BOSS Sprints and Truck and Tractor Pulls Coming Soon(Mercer, PA May 21, 2016): A cold and steady rain settled in over Mercer Raceway Park during the night and continued throughout the day, leading to the fourth consecutive cancellation of racing. The Rick's Truck & Equipment Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series heads to the speedway on May 28, along with several other classes. Racing will start at 5:30, using the new, two-tiered approach. Then, Sunday May 29, fans will experience the sound and fury of the All American Spring Nationals! It will be the opening event for the Truck and Tractor Pulling enthusiasts. The Full Pull Production will be presented by Ritenour Equipment Co., of Butler.

Please note that the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, and the Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles Mini Stocks have been added to the May 28 program. With the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, and Precise Racing Products Open Stocks already on the card, fans will get to see seven divisions in action, weather permitting, of course. Racing will start at 5:30, with the Junior Sprints, Mini Stocks, and Modified Lites kicking things off. The BOSS Sprints and the remaining classes will begin at 7 p.m.The pit gates will open at 4, and spectator gates at 4:30.

The adult tickets will be just $15 for this action-packed event. Seniors (60+) will be admitted for $13, and students (9-15) for $7. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be $32, which is quite the bargain for two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be $30.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

All Stars Washed Out; Saturday Might Live! Resumes Next Week(Mercer, PA May 14, 2016): The storm front moved into Western Pennsylvania right on schedule and it delivered the punch that knocked out The Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions. "We are really disappointed to lose this show to the weather," said Mercer Raceway Park owner Bill Altman. "There were plenty of good cars in the area for the two-day program, and we were hoping to give the fans a night to remember. But, Mother Nature had other ideas."

No rain date has been set, but discussions are underway to find a suitable alternative.

Racing will resume, weather permitting of course, on May 21. That will be Scrappers Night at the speedway. Scrappy, the mascot of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers baseball team, will be on hand to greet the fans. There will be special promotions in addition to the Saturday Night Live! racing.

"With all of the rainouts we have had, it will almost be like opening night all over again." Altman explained, "it should be exciting, with all of that pent up energy and emotion."

Regular event ticket pricing will apply. That means adults will be admitted for $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. The children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass goes for just $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will b $30.

The Mo Vaughn Transport Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series heads into town on May 28 for the only night that the Sprint Cars will race without their wings. That is always a fan favorite. Then, May 29, the track will host the All American Spring Nationals Truck & Tractor Pull. The Full Pull Production will be presented by Ritenour Equipment Co.

About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.

All Stars Sprints and More at Mercer Raceway Park SaturdayTony Stewart's Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Car series will roar into Mercer Raceway Park this Saturday, May 14. It will be the final night of a two-day stand in Western Pennsylvania and the only time that the travelers will tangle with the regulars in the 4 Your Car Connection Sprint Car division. "This program is made possible by Bonnell's Rod Shop, and we are very appreciative of Scott Bonnell's support of Mercer Raceway Park," said track owner Bill Altman. "I sure hope that the weather cooperates with us, so the fans can enjoy this entertaining program," he added.

The All Stars will be led by two former champions, Dale Blaney and Chad Kemenah, both of whom have scored series wins at the track. They both have wins on the circuit in 2016, and they will be tough to beat. But Sheldon Haudenschild, Ryan Smith, Cap Henry, and rookie T.J. Michael all may have some say in the matter. Mercer favorites like Tim Shaffer, Lee Jacobs, and Danny Holtgraver all have had success at the tricky track, so they could easily find their way back to victory lane. Add in talents like Caleb Helms, Brent Marks, Andrew Palker, Kraig Kinser, Caleb Armstrong, Bradley Howard, and Kory Crabtree, and this should be the most diverse and challenging group of racers to converge at the Park in a long, long time.

The local contingent will be pretty stout, too. Points leader Brandon Matus owns one All Stars career win, and he would like nothing better than to get a second one in front of his loyal fans. Jack Sodeman, Jr. cannot be ignored, either. Will this be the night that his retro tribute to his dad will grace the winner's circle? Scott Priester, Michael Bauer, Eric Williams, and A.J. Flick will be on the prowl, too. And Brandon Spithaler and Carl Bowser should be in the house for this one!

Joining the Sprint Cars will be the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds and the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Jimmy Holden has scored both 358 Modified wins this season, while the Warriors have seen Andy Priest and Jacob Gomola have shared the glory.

Because this is a special event, the gates will swing open at 3:30 for the racers and 4 p.m. for the spectators. The Sprint Cars will take to the track at 6 p.m. for warm-ups and practice, followed immediately by the time trials. Heat racing will be next.

The ticket prices for this program will be as follows: adults $25, seniors (60+) $23, and students (9-15) $9. The children (ages 8 and under) will be free. A Family Pass can be purchased for $52, and that will apply to two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $35.

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event atMercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

Weather Wins Again; All Stars Next at Mercer Raceway Park(Mercer, PA May 9, 2016): With weather forecasts calling for rain in the late afternoon and into the night, Mercer Raceway Park canceled the racing action set for Saturday, May 7. The next show will be the annual visit of the Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions, on Saturday, May 14. This event will be presented by Bonnell's Rod Shop. Joining the All Stars and the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Cars will be the be the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors and the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds.

The Pit gates will open at 3:30, with the spectator gates opening at 4. Hot laps for the All Stars will begin at 6, with qualifications following immediately thereafter.

Adult tickets will cost $25, seniors (60+) $23, and students (9-15) $9. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass (good for 2 adults and up to four minors of any age) will be $52. Pit Passes will be $35. Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

Sprinters Prepare for All Stars Invasion(Mercer, PA May 3, 2016): This Saturday, May 7, will be the final opportunity for the 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint Car drivers to get ready for the invasion of Tony Stewart's Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions. Joining the fun at Mercer Raceway Park will be the the six other divisions which comprise the Saturday Night Live! racing program. Remember that the action will start at 5:30 with the three earlybird classes. The four star nightcap will begin at 7 p.m.

Brandon Matus and Brandon Spithaler have won the first two 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprint contests held in 2016. Who will it be this time? Winless so far this season are talented drivers like former champions Jack Sodeman, Jr. and Eric Williams. Veteran Scott Priester and Outlaw Sprint Warrior graduate Michael Bauer have been in the thick of things, too. A.J. Flick, Dan Kuriger, Brent Matus, Davey Jones, Alex Paden, and Late Model convert John Garvin, Jr. are among the other pilots who will challenge for the win.

Jimmy Holden has scored a pair of wins to open his title defense in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Rival Kyle Fink has been second both times, so he could break Holden's stranglehold on the division. Lonnie Riggs has a pair of top five finishes, and experienced pilots Tommy Kristyak, Frank Guidace, and J.R. McGinley can always be counted on for exciting performances.

In the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Andy Priest has one win and a crash on his resume for 2016. Will he regain his winning form? Young Jacob Gomola wants to build upon his recent success, but there are plenty of drivers who can thwart his plans. Exciting C.J. Jones, steady Darin Gallagher, and the region's top driver George Hobaugh, Jr. will be in the field. But it is Ralph Engel, Jr. who has been the most consistent racer so far this season. Add in the younger drivers, such as Vincent Daugherty, Mike Marano, II, and Eric L. Williams, and you can see why the Sprint Warriors have become a fan favorite at the Park.

The Precise Racing Products Open Stock Cars have been dominated by orange cars in 2016. Brent Johnson, Leigh Wheeler, and William Hurrelbrink have carried that color into victory lane. Terry Wheeler and Curt Bish also drive orange racers, so one must wonder if they have what it takes to grab the checkers. But, don't count out that green machine of defending champion Ryan Moyer.

Shane Pfeuffer and Shane Webb have scored wins in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites. Last year's kingpin, Mark Marcucci, is winless in 2016. Levi Spinneweber, Doug Jones, and Jacob Bova will also be part of that early bird group of racers who will go to the post in the late afternoon.

Todd Hanlon has three wins so far in the Mini Stocks, presented by Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles. Will he continue the hot streak for another week? But, Tyler Fulton, Isaac Paden, and Shane Shook have been consistent as well. Maybe they can upset Hanlon.

Young Chase Metheney scored his first win in the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, but he had to chase down Ayden Cipriano to do it. Come out and cheer on these young racers as they gain valuable experience in the racing world.

Pit gates will open at 4 p.m., and grandstands at 4:30. The first green flag will fly at 5:30 for the Junior Sprints. They will be followed by the Mini Stocks and Modified Lites. Then, at 7 p.m., the action will switch to the Open Stocks, both Sprint Car classes, and the 358 Modifieds.

The adult admission price will be $13, seniors (60+) $11, and students (9-15) $5. Children will be admitted free. The Family Pass will be just $28, and that will be good for two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be $30.

Keep May 14 and May 28 open on your racing calendars. The Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions will be on the docket on the 14th. The popular non-wing Sprinters of the Mo Vaughn Transit Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series will back 'em in on May 28.

You can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.

Wet Weather Claims Another Race Date at Mercer Raceway Park (Mercer, PA April 29, 2016): Persistent rains saturated the grounds and the forecast calls for more moisture to fall on Mercer Raceway Park, forcing a cancellation of the racing program which was to be held on April 30. Track management has yet to determine when there will be a make-up date for the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club night. Racing will resume on May 7, with another Saturday Night Live! event, featuring all seven divisions in the unique two-staged format.

Coming up on May 14 will be the only appearance of the Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars. Another popular event on the horizon will be the Mo Vaughn Transit Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series. That will feature the Sprint Cars racing without their wings on May 28. These will be can't miss events!

Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track's website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.